September is a difficult time at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) as blood donations drop drastically as school learners and university students are unable to donate blood due to exams.
A press release received from the SANBS states that this situation was worsened by poor turnouts at companies’ and organisational blood drives that has placed immense pressure on the blood stock levels.
Vanessa Raju, spokesman for SANBS, says in order to maintain blood stock levels of five days at all times, collecting 3 000 units of blood per day is necessary to meet the demand of the thousands of patients who are reliant on blood transfusions for their survival.
Currently they have only 1.6 days of blood stock available.
Raju says should this continue they are looking at a major crisis heading towards the festive season.
Patients in need of a blood transfusion require an average of three units of blood.
A few friends’ combined efforts will probably save the lives of those in need of blood.
With the year drawing to an end, Raju asks 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.
It is only with the help of the selfless blood donors that the SANBS is able to help this situation.
Raju says they have implemented a cut-back approach, where they are not able to meet the request by doctors.
“This means should a doctor request four units of blood, the SANBS may only be able to offer two units, and this approach will continue until the blood stocks recover.”
The organisation is encouraging all regular donors and those who have made a conscious decision to join this cause of saving lives not miss out on their next donation date.
This is also a reminder to all donors who selflessly donated blood on Mandela Day, to remember that they are due to donate again and continue making every day a Mandela Day.
Sister Juliana Visser, clinic supervisor at The Avenues Blood Bank says September has always been a difficult month.
With the great demand for blood this time of the year, she urges regular donors to visit the blood bank as soon as they possibly can.
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 bank during working hours between 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
On Tuesdays it is open from 10am to 8pm, for those who can only donate blood after hours.
The clinic can be contacted on 011 362 2272.
