The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on hospitals has stretched blood supplies in the country. Recently, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has experienced poor collection, due to low donor turnout to mobile blood drives and donor centres, among other challenges. “While we continue to contend with declining bloodstocks, the demand from patients has not slowed down. Lifesaving surgeries and treating other illnesses still demand that we consistently supply much-needed blood products.
The situation is critical and could become dire if we fail to collect sufficient Group O blood,” warned Dr Karin van den Berg, SANBS medical director. With less than three days of bloodstock currently on hand, the SANBS once again calls on donors to rally behind this lifesaving mission to help save thousands of lives. “Our donors have always been incredibly generous during times of struggle and we need their help to ensure that our blood supply stabilises again,” said van den Berg. Hospital demand for blood has been at its highest and the pressure from low donor turn-out has not helped the situation at all. This is why, where possible, the SANBS has extended its donor centres’ operating hours for the foreseeable future, to allow donors more hours in the day to make their donations.
“We commend the donors who have kept us going, des-pite the social uncertainties and general social anxiety that plagues many people at the moment. We especially im- plore donors with O-positive and O-negative blood to make their donation as they can make the biggest immediate difference to the situation we face right now,” van den Berg concluded. Become part of a life-saving movement #donor100 and donate blood in Parys. SANBS would like to invite the community of Parys to donate blood at the Reformed Church Hall in Parys (corner of Loop and Paulsen Streets) from midday to 18:00 on Tuesday, 12 October. Help SANBS collect 100 units of blood, which could save hundreds of lives. SANBS encourages all blood donors who have not donated blood within the past few months to please donate blood. SANBS also ap- peals to new blood donors, especially the youth, to donate blood. Bring family, friends and colleagues and donate blood in Parys. One blood donation gives recipients a second chance with their loved ones. Another Christmas to remember, another summer holiday at the beach, another birthday celebration.
To become a blood donor, you must:
•Be between the ages of 16 and 75 years.
•Weigh 50 kg or more.
•Lead a healthy lifestyle.
•Consider your blood safe for trans- fusion to a patient.
•Commit to donating blood regularly. Don’t let us run out of safe blood. Donate today.
