WITH the holiday break approaching, it is traditionally a time when there are several road accidents, which adds to the daily demand for blood.
It is also a time when blood collection is already difficult for the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).
This is due to regular school, tertiary institutions and business blood drives being virtually impossible to assist in sustaining a safe blood stock level to meet the demand.
The SANBS appeals to donors to make their way to one of the closest blood drives or donor centres. Unfortunately when the holidays arrive, the demand does not decrease, and some 3,000 units of blood are needed by patients daily.
“We understand that many people will be busy or going on holiday, but it only takes about 30 minutes of your time to make a huge difference to others in need of blood. Easter is often a time for family and donating blood is a great way of knowing you may be able to give someone else more time with their family,” said SANBS national communications manager,Vanessa Raju.
If you are in good health and between the ages of 16 and 65-years-old, weigh more than 50kg, and lead a sexually safe lifestyle, make your way to your nearest donor centre.
To find out where your nearest donor centre is visit www.sanbs.org.za, call toll free 0800-11-9031 or SMS your name and post code of the area you live in to 31454.
