We are in the midst of a bloodstock crisis
Parys residents can donate blood at the Dutch Reformed Church Hall, Cnr Loop and Water Street from 13:00 to 19:00 on Thursday, 27 July.
Dirk van der Westhuizen and Frederik Oosthuizen have collectively dedicated 109 years and saved some 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 face critical blood stock levels, the organisation is reaching
out to more South Africans to lend a hand in saving lives.
The SANBS appeals to all members of the public who are willing and able 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 everyone possible to donate a unit of blood,” she added. Compounding an already difficult situation is the closure of schools and tertiaryinstitutions. Winter is synonymous with low blood collections when schools and universities close for a break, and the donors we rely on for our urgent donations dissipate.
While SANBS had hoped for better collections this year, the situation remains challenging. SANBS is especially calling out to South Africans who are not yet donors to make their way to their nearest mobile blood drive or donor centre to give vital 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 ones 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 we do not meet this target, the total
units of available blood depletefurther.
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 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.
