Since the Covid-19 outbreak, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has struggled with a decline of donations.
According to Donor Relations Practitioner, Shavani Sewpaul, despite the fact that SANBS Newcastle remained open throughout, there had been a significant decline in donations.
Now, SANBS is appealing to local donors to donate ahead of the festive season.
“Because of concerns about the safety of donating blood, many of our normal schools and businesses have put a halt to hosting clinics. As a result, our primary source of blood has been depleted,” explained Sewpaul.”
She added that irregular weather conditions exacerbated the challenges faced by the organisation.
“Most of our new clinics are outdoors, and we have had very low collections at these settings owing to weather and wind. While we have no control over this, we would like to encourage the people of Newcastle and Ladysmith to donate blood in the comfort of their donor centres.”
These are situated at the Newcastle Mall and the San Marco Centre in Ladysmith.
“We are also open on Sundays, to make the process more convenient for potential donors.”
Sewpaul asserted that despite Covid-19, donating blood is a risk-free procedure.
“The demand for blood is the one part of South African culture that has not changed even during the pandemic. The festive season is fast approaching, so please help us prevent a blood shortage crisis during this time,” she pleaded.
You can donate blood if you:
– Are between the ages of 16 and 75 years old (for first-time donors)
– Weigh a minimum of 50kg (a minimum of 55kg for platelet donors)
– Are in good health
– Lead a low risk lifestyle
– Consider your blood safe for transfusion
– Had a balanced meal within four hours of donating blood
– Have not donated blood in the last 56 days (14 days for platelet donors)
– Have a pulse between 50-100 regular beats per minute.
In addition, SANBS will examine you ahead of time to evaluate your hemoglobin levels and blood pressure.
Visit the Newcastle Donor Centre at the Newcastle Mall (108 Allen Street) from Monday to Sunday, and help save lives.
