SANBS hosts blood donation drive in Linden

As blood stocks run low ahead of the Easter holidays, the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) urged people to donate blood during a blood drive in Linden.

The one-day blood drive was held at the Linden Presbyterian Church on March 15. According to the SANBS, the blood stock levels are very low. The organisation requested residents to donate blood and be the reason for someone’s heartbeat.

“We are hoping to get more donors to donate blood and make a huge difference to other people’s lives,” said donor care officer Noe Motsaathebe.

Motsaathebe said they need more blood, because hospitals are likely to run out of blood due to a higher number of accidents happening during Easter.

Donor Lelanie Taljaard (38), from Linden cited the fact that the blood she donated would save lives as the main reason she became a blood donor. She said she wanted to donate blood last month, but transportation issues stopped her from doing so.

“I like donating, because in 2008 when I gave birth to my daughter, I was in need of four litres of blood. So now it’s my turn to give back to the community,” said Taljaard.

Another donor, Anneke Maurer (65), from Robin Hills said, “I donated blood last 40 years ago and I would like to be a regular donor. If they return here again, I will definitely come to donate because the location is convenient.”

Sonia Sdyen (58), told Randburg Sun that even though she is scared of needles, it was not painful at all. “I am getting old, so I need to give blood to other people and save lives.”
Donors were given bags and refreshments as a token of thanks after donating blood.

Top five requirements to donate blood:

• Anyone between the age of 16 and 75
• Weighing more than 50kg
• Living a healthy lifestyle (must not have multiple sex partners)
• You must be healthy on the day of donation (be well and free from any illness)
• You must have eaten something before donating.

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