Blood shortages due to school holiday
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is experiencing a shortage of blood stock, which is currently at a national level of 1.5 days.
“Universities and schools are important blood donors and, due to the holidays, the stock level is impacted significantly,” said Vanessa Raju, communications manager of SANBS.
“SANBS needs to maintain a stock level of five days at all times, by collecting 3 000 units of blood per day, to meet the demands of the thousands of patients who are reliant on blood transfusions for their survival.”
The minimum blood donor requirements are:
- Weigh at least 50kg.
- Be between the ages of 16 and 65 years old.
- Lead a safe sexual lifestyle.
- Be in general good health.
- Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
The SANBS is urging the members of the community who are blood donors, or people who meet the minimum blood donor requirements, to help boost supplies by committing to donating blood.
Brakpan residents can make donations at the SANBS Donor Centre, at the Mall@Carnival (shop 84).
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