Group O blood stocks run low, make a donation today
"We are experiencing a high demand of blood from hospitals and are in serious need of blood donations across the country."
THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is urgently calling on Group O donors to donate blood to meet the demand.
Scheduled blood drives at universities, businesses and on other sites yield a significant amount of the units of blood collected annually and although the SANBS has systems in place to minimise the effects of shortages, there has been an increasingly high demand for blood in hospitals leaving Group O blood stocks at a low.
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As a result of the low blood stocks, the SANBS appeals to the public to visit the nearest donor centre as soon as they can.
“We are experiencing a high demand of blood from hospitals and are in serious need of blood donations across the country. Our Group O blood stocks are approaching a low level. We are appealing to all South Africans to donate a unit of blood in aid of those who may need blood or blood products during this busy period,” said SANBS chief marketing officer, Silungile Mlambo.
Group O is considered the universal blood group because anyone, regardless of blood type, can receive type O blood without risking a transfusion reaction.
“The best gift you can give anyone is the gift of life. We know that South Africans have huge hearts and we call on them to fully embrace the spirit of Ubuntu by giving their blood donation today,” Mlambo said.
The SANBS has planned various blood drives around the country with extended hours and additional weekend blood drives to ensure a stable supply of blood during this period. However, it is only possible to meet the demand with the help of regular and committed blood donors. Blood donations go beyond just the person who receives blood; its’ not just blood, its saving a nation.
Visit www.sanbs.org.za or contact 0800 11 9031 to find out where you can donate blood this festive season.
Follow the South African National Blood Service on their social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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