SANBS calls on blood donors to support blood drive in uMhlanga
The organisation’s aim is to maintain an adequate level of blood stocks, which would be five days’ worth. They are currently at a critically low supply as they have lingered below three days’ worth for a while.
THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS), together with Netcare Umhlanga Hospital, will host a blood drive on Friday, September 22 as blood stock levels are currently low in the country.
According to SANBS donor relations practitioner, Dennis Ngongoma, said blood stocks have lingered below three days over a prolonged period.
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“To avoid reaching critically low levels, SANBS needs South Africans – active donors, lapsed donors and potential donors – to bolster the national blood stocks. SANBS runs blood drives across the country throughout the week, such as the one being hosted at Netcare Umhlanga Hospital,” he said.
The organisation’s aim is to maintain a level of five days’ stock which would be deemed adequate.
Speaking to Northglen News, he said the target is to collect 500 units on the day.
“We are calling on the public to help sustain the province’s need for blood. With limited access to mobile blood-drive venues and schools and universities going online, the blood service’s ability to get the required 3 500 blood donations a day is constrained. One unit of blood can save up to three lives,” he said.
He is encouraging donors of all blood types to donate blood, especially if they belong to the O group.
“Group O is considered the universal blood group because anyone – regardless of blood type – can receive it without risking a transfusion reaction. With the help of our donors, we have been able to carry out the monumental task of keeping our blood stocks stable, despite the challenges at hand. Our plea is that all healthy and capable donors visit their nearest donation site to donate blood,” he said.
The event takes place outside the hospital premises and will feature Darren Maule and his team from East Coast Radio from 06:00 to 09:00. There will also be other health organisations present to render advice on certain topics, as well as food stalls and much more. The blood drive runs from 06:00 to 18:00.
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