SANBS calls for donors to staunch decreasing blood stocks
SANBS is appealing to residents to commit to donating blood regularly, and helping to save lives.
After a period of success under the initial levels of the national lockdown, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is noting another decline in blood stocks.
The service has appealed to residents to continue donating blood, or possibly face the severe impact on patients who rely on life-saving transfusions.
In a press release issued this week, SANBS Chief Marketing Officer, Silungile Mlambo said, “Whenever our blood stocks reach below two days, it places the lives of patients at risk – the lives of a haemorrhaging mother, newborn babies, accident victims, cancer-fighting patients and thousands of other patients in need of a blood transfusion.”
With its urgent call to all eligible donors, Mlambo explained SANBS needed to collect 4 000 units of blood daily to meet the demand. Donating blood can save up to three lives and takes only half an hour, four times a year.
“A blood donation gives patients a second chance with their loved ones, another Christmas to remember, another summer holiday at the beach. Everyone is called to please continue to visit their nearest blood donor centre or mobile blood drive.”
To donate blood and help save lives, visit the Newcastle Donor Centre at the Newcastle Mall (open from Monday to Saturday) or one of the mobile clinics operating during August.
RELATED STORY: Blood donations on the move with SANBS mobile clinics
Blood donors must: be between the ages of 16 and 75, weigh 50kg or more, be in good health, lead a healthy lifestyle, consider their blood safe for transfusion to a patient, commit to donating blood regularly.
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