Despite the extraordinary response from regular donors who have responded loudly and proudly to calls for support, the South African National Blood Service (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.
As the country continues to emerge from the pandemic, the need for blood products is rapidly starting to increase.
“At the SANBS, we are doing our utmost to continue to maintain adequate blood stock levels to service the needs of our country.
“The high demand for blood requires we work even harder together to ensure no lives are lost due to blood shortages,” said Ravi Reddy, chief operations officer of SANBS.
ALSO READ:
Short doccies shine light on beauty of Germiston
“Booking group donations and hosting mobile blood drive events is another meaningful way to engage your network to save lives,” Reddy added.
Every donation makes a difference.
While some South Africans may not be able to donate, they can assist us in collecting much-needed blood.
“In your networks of friends, families and colleagues there will always be someone who is able to donate blood.
“Partner with us and lend a hand in ramping up our recruitment efforts by urging healthy, eligible blood donors to donate and help prevent shortages,” said Reddy.
The SANBS has continually maintained and implemented safety and wellness measures at our donor centres and mobile blood drives across the country for the protection of our 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,” added Reddy.
For more information visit the SANBS website to book a mobile blood drive.
Alternatively, you can contact its call centre on 0800 11 9031.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing:Editor at germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za. Also follow us on:
