The National Blood Service has appealed to the public to donate blood generously to boost its reserves of this life-saver as the festive season approaches.
An appeal statement said with September being a month of celebrating new life after a long and dreary winter, it was also a month to acknowledge and celebrate the country’s heritage which includes a culture of caring and making a difference to the lives of those in need.
The blood service said one blood donation could save up to three lives, and the donor would never know when it was his or her relatives who needed a blood transfusion. It urged all donors to donate at least four times a year.
With the year drawing to an end, they ask the public to donate at least twice over the next four months to avoid the shortages usually experienced due to the holidays and school break.
Eligible donors should be between the age of 16 and 65, weigh over 50kg, be in good health and lead sexually safe lifestyles. They must have eaten a meal before donating.
Those wanting to donate can visit the blood service during working hours and weekends at the following centres;
Braampark Blood Donor Centre, 33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein; Bedfordview Blood Donor Centre, 25 Ernest Oppenheimer Street, Bruma; Linksfield Blood Donor Centre, 10 Linksfield Drive, Edenvale.
Details: 0800 11 9031; www.sanbs.org.za
