Public urged to support Hillcrest blood drive

THE Specialised Tactical Accident Response team (START) is holding a blood drive at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) Hillcrest Collection Centre on September 24.

START is a ‘non-profit organisation that forms a synergy between private and volunteer organisations’, according to their Facebook page.

Co-founder of START Warren Brauns will be giving his 100th blood donation on the day, and the aim is to collect 100 donations from members of the public. Donors will be given a boerewors roll by the START team.

Brauns says, “We, as START, believe that giving back is hugely important. Most of our members are blood donors and understand the importance of giving blood. We don’t only save lives but want to give the gift of life. Giving blood is free, and donating is the very least we can do to support those who need a lifesaving gift. So, please consider taking 20 minutes to give the gift of life to support those needing blood, and to make sure that someone you love is never in a situation where there is no blood available.”

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Only 1% of the population are regular blood donors. Should you like to save lives, you need to be between 16 and 75, weigh more than 50kg, lead a safe lifestyle, have a valid ID document, and be available to donate a unit of blood every three months. When you visit your local blood collection centre, the staff will undertake a full screening for the safety of both donor and recipient.

Donors who have A or AB blood groups are particularly suitable for the platelet donation programme, and SANBS is eager to increase this section of their donor base.

Date: September 24, 09:00 to 14:00

Venue: The Hillcrest Blood Donor Clinic, Colony Centre, 50 Old Main Road, Hillcrest

For more information: 0800 11 90 31 or www.sanbs.org.za