As the country continues to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic that disrupted life as we knew it, the need for blood products is rapidly starting to increase.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) remains committed to keeping their promise to save lives.
Despite the extraordinary response from generous regular donors, who have responded loudly and proudly to calls for support, the SANBS is experiencing shortages owing to the scarcity of mobile blood drive venues.
Covid-19 restrictions have severely limited the ability to collect adequate blood stocks, particularly because the SANBS is not able to access schools, colleges and corporates for blood drives.
READ: What is the process when donating blood?
“We are doing our utmost to continue to maintain adequate blood stock levels to service the needs of our country,” said Ravi Reddy, chief operations officer at the SANBS.
“The high demand for blood requires that we work even harder together to ensure that no lives are lost due to blood shortages.
“Booking group donations and hosting mobile blood drive events is another meaningful way to engage your network to save lives.”
Every donation makes a difference.
While some South Africans may not be able to donate, they can assist in collecting much-needed blood.
In our networks of friends, families and colleagues there will always be someone who is able to donate blood.
Partner with the SANBS and lend a hand in ramping up recruitment efforts by urging healthy, eligible blood donors to donate and help prevent shortages.
The SANBS has continually maintained and implemented safety and wellness measures at donor centres and mobile blood drives across the country, for the protection of staff and donors alike.
“In years past, our partners and community-minded supporters have kept us going. Through setting and meeting collection goals together we have been able to meet the constant demand for blood,” said Reddy.
Visit sanbs.org.za to book a mobile blood drive and for more information.
Alternatively, contact the call centre on 0800 11 9031.
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