SANBS calls for donations as blood stock plummets
With less than three days of blood stock on hand, SANBS calls on donors to help save thousands of lives.
THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is appealing for blood donations as its reserves reach a critical low.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has stretched blood supplies in the country and SANBS reported poor collection due to low donor turnout to its mobile blood drives and donor centres.
“While we continue to contend with declining blood stocks, the demand from patients has not slowed down. Lifesaving surgeries and the treatment of other illnesses still demands that we consistently supply much-needed blood products. The situation is critical and could become dire if we fail to collect sufficient Group O blood,” said the SANBS medical director, Dr Karin van den Berg.
Also read: Vaccinated residents eligible to donate blood
With less than three days of blood stock currently on hand, the SANBS has called on donors to help save thousands of lives.
“Our donors have always been incredibly generous during times of struggle. We need their help to ensure that our blood supply stabilises once more,” said van den Berg. As hospital demand for blood has been at its highest, SANBS has extended its donor centres’ operating hours for the foreseeable future.
“We especially implore donors with O-positive and O-negative blood to make their donation as they can make the biggest, immediate difference to the situation we face right now,” van den Berg concluded.
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SANBS appealed to the public to make venues available for blood drives. Suitable venues include spaces that are accessible and open to the public. If you are able to host a blood drive, visit www.sanbs.org.za to book a blood drive.
Donor requirements
To become a blood donor, community members must meet these requirements:
- Be between the ages of 16 and 75 years.
- Weigh 50kg or more.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle.
- Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
- Commit to donating blood regularly.
Donors who are ready and willing to roll up their sleeves and lend an arm can find their nearest donor centre at www.sanbs.org.za. Alternatively, contact 0800 11 90 31.
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