Help SANBS spread cheer these holidays

Blood stocks fluctuate throughout the year and as we enter the festive season, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) reminds South Africans of the importance of donating blood to aid in keeping blood stocks at safe levels.

Although the festive season is fun for most people, it is a difficult period for patients who need blood and blood products to lead regular lives.

“A large portion of our blood products are used to treat patients with chronic illnesses. With December traditionally yielding low collections, this could threaten peoples’ ability to enjoy their holidays should we not have the required blood products on hand when needed,” said Thandi Mosupye, SANBS Senior Manager: Marketing and Communication.”

To get ahead of this challenge, SANBS calls on Group O and B donors to give a unit of blood prior to setting off for their holiday destinations.

“We need to collect a minimum of 3 500 units of blood, daily, to maintain safe stock levels. We approach this season with stocks being lower than we’d like and we could have some tough times ahead if donors do not respond to our call to lend a hand,” Mosupye added. Five (5) days’ blood stocks are required to sustain the country’s need.

SANBS is calling on all donors who are due for donation to spare some time out of their day and give the gift of life.

Each unit of blood goes a long way towards ensuring that those reliant on blood donations get to spend time with their families too.

On Tuesday, 8 November, SANBS launched the Change a Life campaign to educate donors about platelet donation.

“Platelet donors are crucial in helping us to provide much needed products for the treatment of patients with blood disorders, cancer, and organ recipients.

“Patients undergoing cancer treatment are highly dependent on regular platelet donations as part of their recovery,” Mosupye concluded. The conversation about platelet donation continues on SANBS’ social media pages.