Give blood and save a life
VORNA VALLEY – A dedication to saving lives keeps them going.
A group of residents from Firzt Properties Midrand responded to the call to give blood at a blood donation site near Midrand.
Representing the team, Tammy Donaldson said nine of them donated blood at Pineslopes South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and feel great about the initiative.
She explained, “This is the fifth time we have donated blood together. We like to get together every 56 days to donate and save lives, it is a team-building exercise which means a lot to us.We donated on November 12.”
Donaldson said the process was smooth and simple. “The staff were friendly and professional, it makes the process painless.”
SANBS launched an awareness campaign on November 15, seeking to highlight the lifesaving impact of blood donations, as the festive season approaches and hospitals use more blood.
The service’s chief executive officer, Ravi Reddy, admitted that this year has seen concerning fluctuations in blood stocks throughout the year and hopes that donors will help them reach five-days stock which is needed to ensure a sustainable supply for the country.
“Blood donations in South African have always been low, considering that less than 1% of the population actively gives blood. Now, due to Covid-19 and lockdown, the number has declined further in the past 18 months. We hope that this campaign, which presents a new perspective on the need for blood, will drive an increase in donations.”
To become a blood donor, you must:
- Be between the ages of 16 and 75 years
- Weigh 50kg or more
- Be in good health
- Lead a healthy lifestyle
- Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.
Details: SANBS 0800 11 90 31.
Related Article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/294042/sanbs-battles-critically-low-blood-stocks/
