The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has extended its operating hours amid an enhanced collection initiative ahead of school closures and the Easter holidays. A single blood donation can save up to three lives.
This extension was implemented to encourage and allow donors to step forward and donate nationwide.
According to SANBS executive for Transfusion Donor Services and Marketing Siemi Prithvi Raj, the organisation acknowledged that the current operating hours may be constrained for some donors.
SANBS has prepared for this historically challenging season when schools close, and Easter rolls around. Since students comprise a sizeable ratio of the national donor base, school holidays have been synonymous with strained stock levels.
“This extension comes at a crucial time for SANBS as we look to expand our donor base and increase blood collections ahead of school closures and the Easter period,” Raj added.
SANBS will therefore extend operating hours nationwide from March 4–15, to increase blood stocks. This gives donors a certain degree of flexibility to donate at times best suited for them.
Most donation sites are expected to operate until 19:00 on weekdays to accommodate individuals who cannot visit during conventional operational times.
“With the help of our donors, we will be able to collect sufficient Group O blood, which represents the universal donor – group O blood can be given to group A, B, AB or O patients,” Raj said.
The organisation encourages donors to visit www.sanbs.org.za or contact 0800 119 031 to find out where they can donate blood. Donors are urged to follow SANBS on X (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS), Instagram (@thesanbs) and TikTok (@thesanbs) for more information and updates.
