According to the SANBS there is less than 1% of active blood donors nationwide. This creates constant challenges in the lives of people who are sick and in need of blood transfusions.
SANBS aims to collect an average of 4500 units of blood nationally every day.
It depends on planned and sustainable blood donation drives at companies, institutions and communities to reach the collective target.
The Covid-19 pandemic has rubbed salt into the wound as it has made it challenging for more citizens to donate blood, because of the regulations and safety issues.
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The Tzaneen Blood Centre, situated at 15B Peace Street, is open to the public for donations from 12:00 to 18:00.
The Mopani team travels throughout the district conducting drives in places like Giyani, Phalaborwa, Hoedspruit and Tzaneen.
To be eligible to donate blood you need to be between the ages of 16 and 75, weigh more than 50kg, be in good health, be free from any cold and flu symptoms, consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient and lead a healthy lifestyle.
“We are appealing to the public to make venues available to us for mobile blood drives.”
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Suitable venues include accessible spaces which are open to the public and large enough to ensure social distancing is practiced,” explained Ipeleng Thetela, donor relations practitioner.
For more information contact SANBS Limpopo Offices on 015 283 3600/3610 or visit www.sanbs. org.za.
