June is Blood Donor Month

There is no better time than now to donate blood, as June is Blood Donor Month and World Blood Donor Day was on June 14.

Community members are encouraged to donate blood during this month, as each donation can save up to three people’s lives.

According to Terrance Pillay, a donor relations practitioner at the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) Benoni branch, the blood stock is sitting at 2.5 days.

Pillay said an average of 30 per cent of Benoni’s blood supply comes from students.

“The greatest challenge we face is not having enough blood supply during the winter holidays due to schools being closed,” said Pillay.

“Some of our regular donors also get sick or are on antibiotics in winter.”

The SANBS conducts regular activations (awareness campaigns) in various areas all over Benoni.

According to Pillay, a person can donate blood five times a year, but only after every 56 days.

Lisa Emmett, a regular blood donor, has been donating the life-saving resource for about 18 years.

“My dad always did it and he encouraged us to do it too,” said Emmett.

“He would say that we were doing something nice for people in the community.”

The Bredell resident said people must consider others.

“We need to stop and think of someone else,” she said.

“The wheels can turn and one day you might be the one in need of blood.”

Minimum requirements to become a blood donor are:

• Be between the age of 16 and 65 years

• Weigh more than 50kg

• Be in good health

• Live a sexually safe lifestyle.

Blood can be donated at the Northmead Blood Donor Centre, at 42 14th Avenue, Northmead.