The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has been hard at work ensuring that a blood shortage is avoided, however, with all efforts in place it seems the cold weather is keeping donors away.
Traditionally, the winter months are a difficult time due to schools and universities being on holiday as well as increase with illnesses such as the flu virus has had a great impact on blood collection.
This places SANBS under immense pressure to collect safe and good quality blood products.
“SANBS needs to maintain a blood stock level of five days at all times by collecting 3 000 units of blood per day to meet the demand of the thousands of patients who are reliant on blood transfusions for their survival. However at the moment we have only xx days of blood stock available on a national level,” Vanessa Raju, Communications Manager of SANBS said.
“It is with only the help of the selfless blood donors that we will be able to ensure that patients who are reliant on blood transfusions will be to receive it,” she continued.
SANBS is appealing to people, particularly to regular donors to not miss out on their next donation date and to other members of the public who meet the minimum requirements to become a blood donor, to help boost supplies by committing to donating blood.
Minimum blood donor requirements:
• Ages between 16 and 65 years
• Weigh 50kg or more
• Good health
• Lead a sexually safe lifestyle
“Don’t Let Life Get In The Way Of Life”
SANBS, a non-profit organisation, urges people who meet the minimum requirements to give the gift of life by become regular donors.
Contact 0800 11 90 31 to find the nearest fixed donor site
About the SANBS
SANBS is a non-profit organisation which provides an essential service within South Africa.
It is rated amongst the best in the world in the provision of blood and blood products, as well as in relation to the research and training provided. SANBS operates across all of South Africa, with the exclusion of the Western Cape.
SANBS is further regarded as a major role player in the provision of support to countries in the SADC region.
- Details: SANBS Communications Manager Vanessa Raju on 011 761 9300, 071 602 7241 |or via email vanessa.raju@sanbs.org.za
