Warm up your veins and give blood this winter
SANBS urges all donors to honour their donation schedule, and to encourage their friends, family and colleagues in becoming regular donors.
NEWCASTLE – Now that winter is upon us, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) anticipates blood stocks to fall below the desired level.
SANBS Communications Manager, Vanessa Raju said to ensure a sufficient supply of blood, 3000 units of blood should be collected every day. Each unit of blood could possibly save three lives.
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Donor numbers usually slump over this period because schools close for the winter holidays. Colds and flu are other reasons donors are unable to donate blood.
Nationally, teenagers between the ages of 16 to 19 constitute 21 per cent of SANBS’s total active donor base, which is currently more than 430 000 donors.
“These young people are truly exemplary South Africans, and while they are away from school to enjoy a well-deserved break, we could run into some shortages which will put our ability to serve the public under pressure,” said Ms Raju.
SANBS urged all donors to honour their donation schedule, and to encourage their friends, family and colleagues in becoming regular donors.
“Our doors are open to members of the public who either want to start donating or simply have questions about the donation process, which might seem complicated and daunting for those who have never before considered giving blood,” added Ms Raju.
For more information on how to become a blood donor and to find your nearest donor centre, visit www.sanbs.org
