February is the month of love, enjoyed by people in a romantic way, but, at the South African National Blood Service, (SANBS) love is celebrated every month.
With your unselfish act of donating blood and sharing the love of the human race, you can make a difference to the lives of patients you may never know.
SANBS encourages all eligible donors to share their liquid love this month and to commit to donating blood a minimum of four times a year.
It’s not too late to make this your resolution for 2014.
As a gesture to say “thank you”, the SANBS has a special gift for those who donate four units in a calendar year.
“With schools, universities and organisations all back to usual operation we are able to maintain a good blood stock level, especially with the help of donors,” said Vanessa Raju, communications manager for the SANBS.
“However, we know that this can change on any given day if our daily collection of 3 000 units is not met.”
All blood groups are very important, but Group O is the group that is most often in short supply.
The demand for this is much higher, as it can be used for patients of all other blood groups.
If you belong to the blood groups A and AB, why not consider becoming a platelet donor?
You can find out more from the staff at your local blood drive or donor centre.
Donate Blood at the Germiston Donor Centre, at the Lambton Court Shopping Centre, at the corner of Beacon and Webber roads, in Lambton.
The operating hours are:
- Mondays: 1pm to 4.30pm
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 8.30am to 4.30pm
- Thursdays: 8.30am to 7pm
- Saturdays: 8.30am to 1pm
What are platelets?
Platelets play a vital role in blood clotting and prevention of excess blood loss.
Platelet donation is a simple process that takes about one-and-a-half hours to complete.
The blood is processed through a cell separator, which retains the platelets and returns the other blood components to the donor’s system.
This procedure enables people to donate platelets every month.
In order to become a blood donor you must:
- Weigh at least 50kg.
- Be between the ages of 16 and 65.
- Lead a safe sexual lifestyle.
- Be in general good health.
- Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
If you wish to find out more about where to donate and more about becoming a donor, call 0800 1190 31, email customerservice@sanbs.org.za, or visit www.sanbs.org.za
