Urgent appeal to donors to donate blood

A shortage in blood hinders SANBS’s ability to save hundreds of lives daily because treatment for various patients cannot occur.

SANBS donor relations practitioner Mpho Letlatsa said blood stocks are usually low during this period due to the many public holidays and long weekends.

Regular blood drives at schools and universities cannot take place, which has huge implications for patients in hospital.

“SANBS currently only has 1.8 days of blood available and as we head further into the Easter holiday period, it will be challenging to meet the demand for blood by patients.

“As a result of the dangerously low blood stocks, SANBS is appealing to members of the public who have missed their donation in recent months and those due for their regular donation, to visit their nearest donor centre as soon as they can because many lives will be affected by this,” said Letlatsa.

SANBS aims to maintain a stock level of five days, with 3 000 units collected per day, to meet the demand.

“We are currently experiencing difficulty in achieving this.

“This is a special appeal to the public to find at least 30 minutes to donate blood, as we would like for patients in need of a blood transfusion to have a happy Easter.”

Minimum requirements to become a blood donor:

• Be between the age of 16 to 65 years.
• Weigh more than 50kg.
• Be in good health.
• Live a sexually safe lifestyle.

To find you nearest donor centre or mobile visit www.sanbs.org.za or call the toll-free number 0800 11 9031.