Save lives by hosting a blood drive
Help the SANBS achieve its collection target
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) aims to collect an average of 3 000 units of blood every day nationally, and they need your help.
“How will I be able to make a difference?” you may ask, and the answer is simple – by hosting a blood drive. “It is through planned, sustainable blood drives at companies, organisations and institutions that we are able to achieve this collection target,” said Lebo Seatlholo, SANBS’ Public Relations Practitioner (PRP).
There are numerous benefits of hosting a blood drive, with the most important one being the opportunity given to donors to become involved in making a difference in someone else’s life in a convenient way.
“We offer education for your staff on safe lifestyles and requirements to qualify to be a blood donor. An added benefit for your organisation is that the Donor Educator covers important information, such as sexually transmitted diseases,” Lebo said.
She added that not only does a blood drive contribute significantly to the country’s health care system, but it can also be used as a Corporate Social Investment activity, as well as a team-building exercise to boost staff morale.
“Departments or branches can compete against each other to see who donates the most blood,” she said.
Before hosting a blood drive, there are a few things to consider, including a goal (number of donors), a plan to achieve that goal, a suitable and accessible venue as well as time to meet with a SANBS PRP. “The reason for the meeting is to enable the PRP to evaluate the blood drive and discuss scheduling future drives, challenges and/ or suggestions,” said Lebo.
She added that there is a certain procedure to follow, and explained, “Once you have dealt with the basic criteria, the life-saving work can begin. The first step is to contact the PRP in your area who will take you through the process and schedule a meeting. SANBS works on a six- to eight-week planning schedule, so all blood drives must be booked at least six weeks in advance.”
There are requirements that need to be met in terms of the minimum size of the venue as well as minimum number of donors. “The minimum size of the venue should be 25 square metres and we require a minimum number of donors to make a blood drive viable. The blood drive must be able to sustain the target set for a minimum of four blood drives in a year, as committed donors are considered to be safe donors.”
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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