Give the gift of life this festive season
Although the festive season is fun for many, the South African National Blood Service says it is a difficult period for patients who need blood and blood products to lead regular lives.
THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has, once again, pleaded and reminded South Africans of the importance of donating blood to aid in keeping blood stocks at safe levels.
ALSO READ: SANBS needs 3 000 units of blood per day
“A large portion of our blood products are used to treat patients with chronic illnesses. With December traditionally yielding low collections, this could threaten people’s abilities to enjoy their holidays should we not have the required blood products on hand when needed,” said Thandi Mosupye, SANBS Senior Manager: Marketing and Communication.
To get ahead of this challenge, SANBS calls on Group O and B donors to give a unit of blood prior to setting off for their holiday destinations.
“We need to collect a minimum of 3 500 units of blood, daily, to maintain safe stock levels. We approach this season with stocks being lower than we’d like and we could have some tough times ahead if donors do not respond to our call to lend a hand,” said Mosupye.
Five (5) days’ blood stocks are required to sustain the country’s needs.
SANBS is calling on all donors who are due for a donation to spare some time out of their day and give the gift of life.
“Each unit of blood goes a long way towards ensuring that those reliant on blood donations get to spend time with their families too.”
On Tuesday, November 8, SANBS launched the Change a Life campaign to educate donors about platelet donation.
ALSO READ: World Blood Donor Day – SANBS responds to most frequently asked questions
“Platelet donors are crucial in helping us to provide much-needed products for the treatment of patients with blood disorders, cancer and organ recipients. Patients undergoing cancer treatment are highly dependent on regular platelet donations as part of their recovery,” said Mosupye.
All willing and eligible donors are urged to visit their nearest mobile and fixed donor centres.
Visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 9031 to find a mobile blood drive or donor centre near you and give blood. Follow the conversation on Twitter (@thesanbs), Facebook (@sanbs) and Instagram (@thesanbs) social media pages.
ENDS
