Help SANBS avoid a blood crisis
The South African National Blood Service has appealed to the public to donate blood as its remains under pressure to keep blood stocks at sufficient levels,
THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is currently facing a severe blood stock shortage, and it noted that KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) only has enough blood in stock to last two days.
To sustain the province’s need for blood this festive season, SANBS donor relations officer, Neelashan Gonder said the blood service is going to need the help from the public to increase numbers significantly.
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“With limited access to mobile blood drive venues due to Covid-19, and the closure of schools and universities, the blood service’s ability to get the required 3 500 blood donations a day is constrained,” said Govender.
In an attempt to increase blood stocks and to continue saving lives, the SANBS in KZN will operate on extended hours each day. He said this will offer donors more time to make a donation throughout the day.
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Govender appealed to all potential and existing blood donors, who are due to donate, are called to visit a donor centre or mobile clinic to give one unit of blood. He said that one unit can save up to three lives.
He assured the public that all donor centres adhere to strict Covid-19 infection prevention protocols to ensure the safety of both donors and staff members.
“Blood is essential all year round, and the SANBS depends on regular donors to keep the blood stocks at optimal levels to help meet the demand. As we head into the busy festive season, however, the need for life-saving blood transfusions usually increases compared to blood donations,” explained Govender.
To find out where you can donate blood, visit sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.
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