Donate blood this winter

NOW that winter is upon us, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) anticipates that blood stocks will fall below the desired level required for meeting daily demand.

To ensure that a sufficient supply of blood remains available for recipients affected by different medical conditions, SANBS must collect 3 000 units of blood every day. Each unit of blood could save three lives.

According to SANBS communications manager Vanessa Raju, in addition to hiding away from the blistering cold, donor numbers usually slump over this period because schools close over the holiday period and that is where many blood drives take place. Colds and flu are other reasons for donors being unable to donate blood.

She said high-school learners are a crucial group of donors, and nationally, teenagers aged 16 to 19 constitute 21 per cent percent of SANBS’ total active donor base which is currently over 430 000.

“These young people are truly exemplary South Africans and while they are away from school to enjoy a well-deserved break, we could run into some shortages which will put our ability to serve the public under pressure,” said Raju.

SANBS urges all donors to honour their donation schedule and encourage their friends, family and colleagues to join them and become regular donors if they meet the basic requirements.

“Our doors are open to the public who either want to start donating or simply have questions about the donation process which might seem complicated and daunting for those who have never before considered giving blood,” said Raju.