SANBS makes appeal for blood donations
Pretoria branches identify new blood drives due to shortfall in donations for two blood groups.
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The South African National Blood Blank (SANBS) says it is facing a deficit of blood type O and B donations.
The East, West and Central areas of Pretoria fall under the SANBS’ northern zone branches.
Pretoria Central donor relations practitioner Letta Mbedzi said they are currently sitting on a deficit of 205 collections for Group O, and 79 for Group B.
Mbedzi said there was a lack of donations due to misinformation, among other reasons.
“We get a lot of deferrals and most people are not informed, while some listen to myths.”
She said to tackle this deficit, they identified new blood drives and held promotions using different radio stations and live feeds to get their message across.
Mbedzi said the aim is to increase collections and educate donors about other blood products and assist in educating most people about the importance of donation.
She urged the Pretoria residents to donate blood and to know that when one donates blood, approximately three lives could be saved.
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Photo: Supplied
The following are requirements for blood donors:
– Must be between the ages of 16-75.
– Weigh 50 kg and above.
– Lead a healthy lifestyle.
– Be in good health.
– Not have donated blood in the last 56 days or platelets in the last 14 days.
– Consider your blood safe for transfusion.
Residents are encouraged to continue donating blood in order to save more lives.
SANBS Operational BI reporting scheduled clinics will be at the following areas this weekend:
Saturday, 24 August, from 09:00 to 15:00:
– Mall@Reds
– Soshanguve Crossing
– Amberfield Heights Estate
– The Grove Mall
– Southdowns Shopping Centre
– Batho Plaza
– Centurion Lifestyle Centre
– Castle Gate Shopping Centre
– Irene Link Shopping Centre
Sunday, 25 August from 09:00 to 14:00:
– Mall@Reds
– Soshanguve Crossing
– Pretoria City Mission Methodist Church
– The Grove Mall
– Southdowns Shopping Centre
– Batho Plaza
– Castle Gate Shopping Centre
– Irene Link Shopping Centre.
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