Collections from schools and universities account for almost 40 per cent of blood donations and, due to the holidays, SANBS is unable to host these blood drives.
Additionally many people take a break around Easter, which impacts the blood stock levels significantly.
At the time of going to press, the national blood stock level was 2.3 days.
“SANBS needs to maintain a stock level of five days, at all times, by collecting 3000 units of blood per day, to meet the demand of the thousands of patients who are reliant on blood transfusions for their survival,” said Vanessa Raju, communication manager of SANBS.
The organisation is appealing to members of the public who meet the minimum requirements, especially blood donors who may have missed a blood donation, to help boost supplies by committing to donating blood.
In order to become a blood donor you must:
- Weigh at least 50 kg.
- Be between the ages of 16 to 65.
- Lead a safe sexual lifestyle.
- Be in general good health.
- Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
To donate or for more information, visit the fixed donor site at 42 14th Avenue, Northmead, or call 080 011 9031.
