The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is facing severe blood stock shortages, current weather conditions and a higher-than-usual demand for blood have sent blood stocks plummeting.
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SANBS needs to collect 3500 units of blood a day and is urgently appealing to all potential and existing blood donors that are due to donate by visiting a SANBS blood donation site.
Thandi Mosupye, SANBS senior manager of marketing, communication and brand, said the little blood available on hand, will have a severe impact on the patients who rely on life-saving blood transfusions.
“Whenever our blood stocks reach below three days, it places the lives of patients at risk.
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“The lives of haemorrhaging mothers, newborn babies, accident victims, and thousands of other patients in need of a blood transfusion.
“Each blood donation gives patients a second chance with their loved ones. Another Christmas to remember, another summer holiday at the beach, another birthday celebration,” Mosupye added.
To become a blood donor, you must:
• Be between the ages of 16 and 75 years
• Weigh 50kg or more
• Be in good health
• Lead a healthy lifestyle
• Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient
• Commit to donating blood regularly
To find out more about where you can donate blood, visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.