SANBS launches #NoStereotypes awareness campaign
Through this campaign, the national blood bank intends on giving recognition to the millions of people who donate blood voluntarily to save lives
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The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has launched a thought-provoking #NoStereotypes campaign.
It is aimed at raising awareness and sparking conversation around societal issues attached to discrimination based on stereotypes, which further separate South Africans.
The campaign is anchored by a thought-provoking film, which highlights some of the many stereotypes that exist in the South African context using real-life people who have experienced moments of being stereotyped in their lives.
The film will be made public on digital platforms from March 17.
“The harmonious strand of a society is rooted in embracing differences while acknowledging the value in the uniqueness and diversity of people thriving through unity and for a bigger cause – like saving lives through blood donation,” said Ravi Reddy, CEO of SANBS.
“Through this campaign, we intend on giving recognition to the millions of people who donate blood voluntarily to save lives. We are urging everyone to acknowledge the value of everyone’s contribution in saving lives and to further encourage people to be a part of the saving lives movement,” Reddy concluded.
The late Ed Koch once said that “stereotypes lose their power when the world is found to be more complex than the stereotype would suggest. When we learn that individuals do not fit the group stereotype, then it begins to fall apart”.
Reddy said one blood donation can save up to three lives and through the #NoStereotypes campaign, the SANBS hopes to promote blood donation and to demystify stereotypes that are currently breaking society.
The donor centre at the East Rand Mall remains accessible. Their operating hours will be from 8am to 6pm on weekdays and 8am to 3pm on Saturdays. Donors are advised to use entrance three.
Minimum requirements to be a donor:
• Be between the ages of 16 and 75
• Weigh 50kg or more
• Be in good health
• Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient
• Lead a sexually safe lifestyle.
Visit www.sanbs.org.za or contact 0800 11 9031 to find out where else you can donate blood.
Follow SANBS on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) and Instagram (@thesanbs).
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