SA Blood Services say thanks
The SA Blood Services grateful to South Africa for donating blood over the holidays.
Every December the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) encourages people to take time during their holidays to donate blood.
Marketing manager for SANBS, Vanessa Raju, said that blood collections during the holidays are typically low.
Although SANBS did not manage to maintain a five-day O group blood stock level during the festive season, there was still a sizable increase in collections year-on-year.
“However the past holidays were more stable and showed a huge improvement from the previous years.
“We are proud of everyone who did their best to make sure critical shortages were avoided.
“SANBS needs to collect 3 000 units of blood daily to meet the demand for patients in need in SA’s private and public hospitals. Statistics show that, although SANBS did not reach its target, overall collections had improved in December, with 67 000 donors attending both fixed centres and mobile drives,” she said.
Centres in Johannesburg yielded the highest number of collections with over 15 000 units during December.
Estee Nickey Coetzee, who donated blood at the end of the year, said that she was happy to be ending her year on a very high note by giving blood.
“My goal for 2014 is to donate at least four times a year. Everyone should commit to saving lives by sharing their blood with those who need it,” she said.
Raju said “SANBS would like to thank everyone who considered those in need by giving their time and the gift of life.”
