During the holiday season it is traditionally a time when there are several road accidents, which adds to the daily demand for blood.
It is also a time when blood collection is already difficult.
This comes about with regular school, tertiary institutions and business blood drives being virtually impossible to assist in sustaining a safe blood stock level to meet the demand.
In times like this, SANBS appeals to donors to make their way to one of the closest blood drives or donor centres.
Unfortunately, when the holidays arrive, the demand does not decrease, and approximately 3 000 units of blood is still needed by patients daily and, for each day SANBS is unable to make this target, the total units of blood which are available depletes.
“We understand that many people will be busy or going on holiday over this period, but it only takes about 30 minutes of your time to make a huge difference to others in need of blood.
“Easter is often a time for family and donating blood is a great way of knowing you may be able to give someone else more time with their family” said Vanessa Raju, national communications manager for SANBS.
If you are in good health and between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh more than 50kg, and you lead a sexually safe lifestyle, make your way to your nearest donor centre.
To find out where your nearest donor centre is visit www.sanbs.org.za, call toll free 0800 11 9031 or SMS your name and post code of the area you live in to 31454 and SANBS will SMS you details of your nearest blood donor centre.
