To ensure that a sufficient supply of blood remains available for recipients affected by different medical conditions, SANBS must collect 3 000 units of blood every day.
“Each unit of blood could save three lives,” says Vanessa Raju, SANBS’ communications manager.
SANBS strives to be a centre of excellence in the discipline of blood transfusion.
In addition to hiding away from the blistering cold, donor numbers usually slump over this period because schools close over the holiday period and that is where many blood drives take place.
Colds and flu are other reasons for donors being unable to donate blood.
“High school learners are a crucial group of donors and teenagers aged 16 to 19 years constitute 21% of SANBS’ total active donor base which is currently over 430 000,” says Vanessa.
Theses students took the bold step to join many people who are donating blood, yielding lives that can be lived to the fullest.
“These young people are truly exemplary South Africans and when their contributions are not accessible it has an impact on the blood supply on a larger scale.”
SANBS urges all donors to honour their donation schedule and encourage their friends, family and colleagues to join them and become regular donors if they meet the basic requirements.
“Our doors are open to members of the public who either want to start donating or simply have questions about the donation process,” adds Vanessa.
For more information call the Blood Donor Services on 011 362 2272 or visit www.sanbs.org.
