The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) blood stock levels are expected to be impacted on by the holidays.
Blood stock levels become a great concern during this time of the year, as it is a time when blood collection is already difficult.
This comes about with regular school, tertiary institution and business blood drives being virtually impossible to assist in sustaining a safe blood stock level to meet the demand.
The SANBS appealed to donors to make their way to one of the closest blood drives or donor centres.
Unfortunately, when the holidays arrive, the demand does not decrease and approximately 3 000 units of blood is still needed by patients daily. For each day the SANBS is unable to make this target, the total units of blood available gets depleted.
“We understand that many people will be busy or going on holiday over this period, but it only takes about 30 minutes of your time to make a huge difference to others in need of blood,” said Vanessa Raju, from the SANBS.
If you are in good health and between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh more than 50kg, and you lead a sexually safe lifestyle, make your way to your nearest donor centre.
To find out where your nearest donor centre is, visit www.sanbs.org.za or call the toll free number, 0800 11 9031.
Local blood donor centres:
r Linksfield Blood Donor Centre at Linksfield Terrace, Linksfield Road, Edenvale. The centre is open on Mondays from 1pm to 4.30pm, Tuesdays from 8.30am to 7pm, Wednesdays to Fridays from 8.30am to 4.30pm and Saturdays from 8.30am to 1pm. Call 011 882-1391/4 for more information.
r Bruma Blood Donor Centre at Finance House, 25 Ernest Oppenheimer Street, Bruma. The centre is open on Mondays from 1pm to 4.30pm; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8.30am to 4.30pm; Wednesdays from 8.30am to 7pm and Saturdays from 8.30am to 1pm. Call 011 622-7153/8361 for more information.
