The precious gift of life
JOHANNESBURG –June is World Blood Donor Month and here is how your blood can save lives.
Each year millions of South Africans need blood transfusions to live healthy and normal lives.
Without the blood donations made by the public to the South African National Blood Service (Sanbs), millions of people would lose access to safe blood in times when they need it.
The month of June is World Blood Donor Month, and the Sanbs dedicates the month this year towards honoring dedicated blood donors while inspiring others to start doing the same.
Where can I donate blood?
The Sanbs has 87 fixed donor clinics and runs drives at institutions, workplaces, shopping malls and other places that are frequently visited by a number of people.
You can use the Sanbs website to find a donor centre near you.
Who can donate blood?
The Sanbs has minimum requirements needed for one to be a blood donor, listed as follows:
- You must be between the ages of 16 and 75 years old, for first time donors.
- You must weigh a minimum of 50kg
- You must be in good health
- You must lead a low risk life
- Your pulse must be between 50–100 beats per minute.
A screening test will be conducted to ensure that your blood pressure and haemoglobin levels are within a safe range for you to donate.
Why should I consider donating blood?
Donating a unit of blood is giving the ‘precious gift of life’ as it saves lives of those who are in dire need of blood. Thousands of patients would lose the their lives if there is insufficient quality blood in stock . When you donate blood, you give patients the gift money cannot buy, a gift that science cannot create.
Who needs blood?
- Women haemorrhaging due to pregnancy and gynaelogical complications
- Premature babies
- Children with severe anaemia
- Accident trauma patients
- Surgical and cancer patients.
For more information about donating, visit the Sanbs website sanbs.org.za
Sources: sanbs.org.za
Medirite.co.za
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