As the country is slowly starting to recover from the national lockdown and people are settling into a new kind of normality, the South African Blood Service (SANBS) is committed to keeping their promise to save lives.
Unfortunately, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic reflects negatively on current blood supplies. The support and donations from regular donors are greatly appreciated, but sadly this is not enough to meet the high demand of blood on a daily basis.
Every donation makes a difference, so registered donors are urged to assist and encourage others within their network of friends, family and colleagues to donate.
“Booking group donations and hosting mobile blood drive events is another meaningful way to engage your network to save lives,” said SANBS chief operations officer Mr Ravi Reddy.
The only way to prevent blood supply shortages is for current donors to partner with the SANBS and recruit eligible and healthy blood donors to donate as well.
The SANBS pleads with those who are not able to donate to help by spreading the word of urgency regarding the importance of donating blood.
The residents of Vryheid can donate blood on October 9 at the Klipkerk from 11am until 6pm, and on October 10 at Pick ‘n Pay from 9am until 1pm. The SANBS mobile clinic will also be available on October 24 at Pick ‘n Pay from 9am until 1pm.
Then, on October 26 from 3pm until 8pm, AbaQulusi Private Hospital will be hosting a blood drive that donors can support. One unit of blood can save up to three lives and it only takes 30 minutes, four times a year.
To become a blood donor, you must:
– Be between the ages of 16 and 75 years old;
– Weigh 50kg or more;
– Be in good health;
– Lead a healthy lifestyle;
– Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient;
– Commit to donating blood regularly.
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