POLOKWANE – The South African Blood Service would like to thank all those who responded to the call to donate blood during December.
A total of 1 423 units were donated around Polokwane in December only. According to SANBS public relations practitioner, Dottie Pinn, 1 749 people were willing to donate but due to some medical conditions, some could not donate.
SANBS hosted several blood drives over the festive holidays at various resorts, Savannah Mall and Mall of the North.
Donors supported the festive season campaign where they received an umbrella after donating as a token of appreciation.
“We experienced a low blood stock-level between Christmas and New Year’s Day but fortunately we pulled through and now we are at close to four days’ (blood supply for the country), which is good.
“Our aim is to maintain the five days’ blood stock-level 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,” she adds.
Pinn urges more donors to come forward to save a life one day and also encourages the public to support the four times commitment campaign, whereby you donate blood four times in a year and receive a gift on the fourth time.
“Make it your New Year’s resolution to be a regular donor and make a difference in someone’s life, it only takes about 30 minutes of your time,” she concludes.
The SANBS team can host a blood drive to your workplace if there are more than 20 employees willing to donate.
You can contact SANBS on (015) 297 3636 for any enquiries or to book a blood drive.
