AS the festive season approaches, the demand for blood donations is set to rise quickly. To assist in ending the blood shortage, Highway Mail will be hosting a blood clinic at their office, situated at 115 Escom Road, New Germany, Pinetown on Thursday 4 December from 9am to 3pm.
Carnage on our roads increases and donors are away on holiday, which leaves the blood bank desperately looking for more donors.
According to Sifiso Khoza, South African National Blood Services regional marketing manager, December is a difficult time for SANBS, as they are unable to collect 3000 units of blood a day that is needed to treat patients, those who are terminally ill and any trauma accidents.
” If previous year’s blood stock levels, over the same period, is anything to go by, we know that we have some tough times ahead,” said Khoza.
Khoza said the greatest needs for blood were for patients with terminal illnesses, who relied on regular transfusions for their survival as well as for women suffering with complications during childbirth. And then accidents, scheduled operations and paediatric cases are the other cases add to the daily demand.
Khoza asked people to consider making an extra effort to donate a unit of blood – a process which takes about 30 minutes.
He said blood drives and promotions would be taking place over the holiday season, with regular hours being extended and weekend drives added on to make things easier for donors.
“The idea is to remain on people’s minds and to be accessible, convenient and visible. It is only possible to meet the demand with the help of regular and committed blood donors,” added Khoza.
People interested in donating blood can also SMS their name and postal code to 31454 to find out the most convenient place to go and give blood. Standard rates apply. Alternatively you can log onto the website, www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 9031.
Regular and new donors are encouraged to visit the Highway Mail office this Thursday to donate blood, because it’s simple, it’s safe and it saves lives.
