Blood service needs your blood
Blood service will face crisis if people do not donate.
SECUNDA – The local branch of the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is currently low on blood stock and urged residents to support them by donating blood.
According to Ms Vanessa Raju, National Communications Manager of SANBS, October is usually a difficult time for the SANBS because of preliminary exams and preparation towards the final quarter of the year.
“This makes it impossible to host blood drives at schools and universities.
“This together with poor turnouts at companies and organisational blood drives, has placed immense pressure on the blood stock levels.
“SANBS needs to maintain a blood stock level of five days at all times by collecting 3 000 units of blood daily 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 1.6 days of blood stock available and we are concerned that should this continue, we are looking at a major crisis as we head towards the festive season.”
SANBS implemented a cut back approach where they are not able to meet the request by doctors.
“This means that should a doctor request units of blood, SANBS may only be able to offer two units and this approach will continue until the blood stock levels are recovered.
“SANBS is encouraging all regular donors and those who have made a conscious decision to join this cause of saving lives, to not miss out on their next donation date.”
If you want to donate blood, you must be between the ages of 16 and 65 years old, weigh more than 50kg, be in good health and lead a sexually safe lifestyle.
Contact the local blood service at 017 631 1652 or visit them in Horwood Street.
SANBS is a non-profit organisation which provides an essential service in South Africa.
It is rated among the best worldwide in the provision of blood and blood products, as well as in relation to the research and training provided.
