Calling all donors to assist

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is making an urgent call to all donors to assist as they have less than two days’ blood supply.

A large portion of the national blood-donor base is made up of students, who are an invaluable resource in saving lives. Recently, however, some unpredictable factors have been impacting negatively on the national blood supply.

Protest actions at universities combined with preparations for end-of-year exams have disrupted scheduled blood drives.

Blood drives on university campuses and at schools yield about 40 per cent of the blood units collected annually and, although the SANBS has systems in place to minimise the effects of shortages experienced during exams, the protests have been an unpredictable factor.

The SANBS needs to collect about 3 000 units of blood daily to ensure daily demand is met and blood stock levels are kept above the two-day mark. Blood is used for emergencies, for those who are living with different blood diseases and for a women who suffer severe blood loss during child birth. As a result of the dangerously low blood stocks the SANBS appeals to members of the public due for their regular donation to visit their nearest donor centre without delay, because many lives will be affected by the shortage.

Lebo Seatlholo, SANBS public relations practitioner reminds people that the Westgate Donor Centre, opposite Dis-Chem pharmacy, is open from Monday to Saturday. She urges people to visit the centre to donate blood. The centre can be contacted on 011 768 0283.

SANBS spokesperson Vanessa Raju said, “A blood shortage hinders our ability to save hundreds of lives daily because without an adequate supply, numerous patients will not receive essential treatment”.

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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