Dangerously low blood stocks: You can help
Randfonteiners will have the opportunity to help replenish the national blood stock at the Greenhills Shopping Centre throughout the weekend.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has less than two days of blood supply – and is ringing an urgent alarm bell, calling on its donors to assist.
Randfontein blood donors will have the opportunity to support them in a marquee at the Greenhills Shopping Centre on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 October from 10am to 3pm.
In a statement released by the SANBS, students are an invaluable resource in saving lives as they make up a large proportion of the national blood-donor base.
“Yet the recent protest action at universities has disrupted scheduled blood drives and in combination with preparations for end-of-year exams, the situation is negatively impacting on the national blood supply. Blood drives on university campuses and at schools yield about 40 per cent of blood collected annually. Although the SANBS has systems in place to minimise the effects of shortages experienced during exams, protests have been an unpredictable factor,” said Lebo Seatlholo, public relations practitioner.
As a result of the dangerously low blood stocks, the SANBS is appealing to members of the public who are due for their regular donation to visit the nearest donor centre as soon as they can because many lives will be affected.
“A blood shortage hinders our ability to save hundreds of lives daily because without an adequate supply, numerous patients will not receive essential treatment,” said Vanessa Raju, SANBS spokesperson.
Blood is used for emergencies, for those who are living with different blood diseases and for women who suffer severe blood loss during child birth. The SANBS must collect about 3 000 units of blood daily to meet the demand for this resource and keep stock levels above the two-day mark.
• Details: To find you nearest donor centre visit www.sanbs.org.za or call the toll-free number 0800 11 9031.
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