With the Easter period come and gone, the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) blood stock levels have dropped.
Blood stock levels become of great concern over the holiday periods with the number of accidents on South African roads rising and with many regular donors are on leave.
The constant demand for blood supply places the SANBS under immense pressure.
Traditionally, the month of April is a difficult time owing to the number of holidays.
There are not enough blood drives and initiatives to fill the gaps left by the absence of educational institutions.
SANBS needs to maintain a stock level of five days at all times by collecting a minimum of 3 000 units of blood per day and this becomes very difficult to achieve.
“Blood donation needs to be made a priority, as this small act has a huge impact on the patients who depend on transfusions for their survival,” said Vanessa Raju, communications manager of SANBS.
Blood donation is a simple act of kindness that can save up to three lives.
People between the ages of 16 and 65, weighing more than 50kg, who are in good health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, may donate blood every 56 days.
The public is encouraged to donate blood to help save the lives of thousands of patients in dire need of blood transfusions.
To located the nearest fixed donor sites visit www.sanbs.org.za
“Don’t let holidays get in the way of life,” added Raju.
