Giving blood can be a weighty issue

I EXPERIENCED a roller coaster of emotions recently, when I once again tried to donate blood to the South African Blood Service (SANBS).

First, let me explain: I have never been able to donate as I do not meet the specific weight requirements.

But, with the festive season around the corner and the inevitable blood shortage that quickly ensues as people go on holiday and donations decline, I decided to once again try and donate.

In fact, on Sunday the SANBS confirmed it’s first festive season blood shortage with only two days supply.

The fear and nerves I felt as I waited to be weighed during a local blood drive is still vividly burned into my memory, for you see I have an irrational fear of needles.

Every inch of my body was screaming for me to escape from the queue, but I kept my feet planted firmly as I constantly reminded myself that I could potentially save three people’s lives with this single selfless donation.

“Just look the other way,” I told myself. “It will only be a small pinch,” I insisted.

But my stomach still turned, and my legs and hands trembled as I loomed closer to the scale.

However, I was surprised when instead of relief, a deep sense of disappointment and sadness swept over me when the SANBS volunteer confirmed that I still was not eligible to donate as I did not meet the weight requirement. I had made small progress but not enough.

I went home with the desperate desire to assist weighing heavily on my heart.

And so it suddenly dawned on me, while I might not be able to donate, I can do my part by encouraging my community to donate.

ALSO READ: SANBS Journey of Blood

According to SANBS programme director, Khylejani Zuma, less than one per cent of South African’s donate regularly. This is quite concerning statistic when you consider that a blood transfusion takes place every 28 seconds and 3 000 units of blood need to be collected every day – and there is no substitute for human blood in the case of an emergency.

In most cases, blood donations are used in childbirth, gynecological and surgical emergencies. I myself am able to write this article today because iiwas able to receive blood transfusions.

One can donate every 56 days and it only takes a few minutes. For more information contact SANBS toll free 0800 11 90 31 or www.sanbs.org.za

Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.

You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts.