It’s in your hands – help save lives

Dirk van der Westhuizen and Frederik Oosthuizen have collectively dedicated 109 years
and have saved approximately 1 824 lives in the process. Their loyalty, and that of our
many committed donors, have saved lives for many years.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is grateful for this support, and as they are faced with critical blood stock levels, SANBS is reaching out to more South Africans to lend a hand in saving lives.

The SANBS is appealing to all members of the public who are able and willing to donate much-
needed blood.

“We are in the midst of a bloodstock crisis as levels continue to drop consistently,” said
Siemi Prithvi-Raj, Executive of Donor Services, Marketing, Communication and Brand.

“The frigid weather has affected the levels of donations, and that is why we are calling on all
willing and able to donate a unit of blood,” she added. Compounding an already difficult
situation is the closure of schools and tertiary institutions.

Winter is synonymous with low blood collections when schools and universities close for a
break, and the donors we rely on for our much-needed donations dissipate. While SANBS
had hoped for better collections this year, the situation remains challenging.

SANBS is especially calling out to South Africans who aren’t yet donors to make their way
to their nearest mobile blood drive or donor centre to give much-needed blood. In the spirit
of Mandela Month, let us take it into our hands to continue the legacy of giving. New donors
will help ease the pressure on the existing donors and help maintain blood stocks at
acceptable levels throughout the year.

“Whether you bring a friend along or invite us to host a blood drive at your business,
residential complex, community centre or local church, you can help to make a difference.
Every drop counts.”

SANBS must collect at least 3 500 units of blood daily to meet patients’ needs. Each day
this target is not met, the total units of available blood deplete further.
To find out where your nearest donor site is, visit www.sanbs.org.za or call toll-free 0800 11
9031.

About the SANBS
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is an independent non-profit
organisation and one of the leaders in the discipline of blood transfusion. SANBS operates
in eight out of nine provinces in South Africa (except the Western Cape, which the Western
Cape Blood Service services). It also provides crucial support to countries in the SADC
region.
SANBS supplies over one million blood products annually and is rated among the top blood
services in the world.  This pedigree comes from world-class testing and collection
protocols, ensuring that the transfused blood is always of top quality.
The blood is processed into its constituent components; red blood cells, plasma and
platelets; therefore, a single blood donation can save up to three lives.