Urgent call for blood donations as stocks dwindle

In June, South Africa celebrates National Blood Donor Month, and June 14 is World Blood Donor Day.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is facing severe blood stock shortages, according to Thandi Mosupye, SANBS senior manager of marketing, communication and brand.

She said current weather conditions and a higher-than-usual demand for blood have sent blood stocks plummeting.

“SANBS needs to collect 3 500 units of blood a day and is urgently appealing to all potential and existing blood donors that are due to donate, to visit a SANBS blood donation site, to donate their precious unit of blood.

“With little blood available on hand, this will have a severe impact on the patients who rely on life-saving blood transfusions.

ALSO READ: SANBS appeals for urgent blood donations as supply is severely low

“Whenever our blood stocks reach below three days, it places the lives of patients at risk. The lives of haemorrhaging mothers, newborn babies, accident victims, and thousands of other patients in need of a blood transfusion,” Mosupye added.

Each blood donation gives patients a second chance with their loved ones – another Christmas to remember, another summer holiday at the beach, and another birthday celebration.

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. Connect with us on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) and Instagram (@thesanbs).

ALSO READ: Successful blood drive at Sunward Christian Academy