Sanbs blood stocks extremely low

The service said national blood stock levels were very low leading up to the Easter holidays and for many people in need of transfusions, donating blood could mean the difference between life and death.

To meet the growing need for blood, Sanbs must collect 3 000 units of blood units daily. Three people can benefit from the various blood products created from each pint that is given in this selfless act.

Currently, Sanbs has a diverse donor base of more than 490 000 people and is always looking to recruit more members into its family of dedicated volunteers.

Sanbs communications manager Vanessa Raju, relayed the story of an aplastic anaemia patient, Patience Thusi, a primary school teacher from KwaZulu-Natal who, six years ago, learned that her bone marrow was not producing enough red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets.

Raju said,”When we hear stories like Thusi’s we are determined to continue hosting blood drives knowing that our donors don’t just give blood, they give a life waiting to be lived meaningfully. Blood transfusions have kept her [Thusi] alive for about five years so that she can continue imparting knowledge to our youth as a teacher.”

Radu expressed that due to schools being closed where many blood drives were hosted, fewer people will donate blood and this could affect vulnerable people gravely.

“Sanbs hopes that people who have not donated blood before, will be inspired to take that big step by visiting one of the blood donation centres, and embark on the fulfilling journey of ensuring the availability of this precious life-giving resource for those in need,” added Raju.

To read more on live saving stories visit www.giveatomorrow.co.za

Details: 0800 11 90 31; customerservice@sanbs.org.za