Residents of eMalahleni pay it forward by donating blood
This is the season of giving life and eMalahleni residents give back to those who need it most.
Blood stocks fluctuate throughout the year, and with the festive season in full swing, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has less than three days stock of group O blood, – and this is much lower than the five days’ stock needed to sustain the country’s need.
The SANBS is facing severe bloodstock shortages, to the extent that there may not be sufficient available blood for patients in need over the festive season.
The SANBS is urgently appealing to all potential and existing blood donors that are due to donating, to visit a SANBS blood donation site, to donate their precious unit of blood.
Residents of eMalahleni are paying it forward by donating blood at the SANBS central blood drive hotspots on December 18.
Although the festive season is fun for most people, it is a difficult period for doctors who work hard to save lives, needing blood and blood products to do so.
“Traditionally, December is a difficult time for the SANBS, with limited access to corporate blood drives and availability of donors, impacting on the ability to collect the minimum of 3 500 units of blood a day that is needed to treat patients. We approach this season with low stocks and we know that we have some tough times ahead if donors do not respond to our call to lend a hand,” said Ms Thina Tuoane, Donor Relations Practitioner.
The SANBS’ inability to access venues for blood drives is also hampering meeting collection targets successfully. As a result, blood stocks continue to dwindle.
“Our Group O blood stocks have dropped significantly and we are appealing to everyone to donate a unit of blood in aid of those in need of it,” added Tuoane.
The SANBS is, furthermore, appealing to the public to make venues available for blood drives. Suitable venues include spaces accessible and open to the public.
“As we head into the busy holiday season, we are facing a particularly challenging situation.”
Please assist by donating blood at the following venues on December 2, for the ‘Save a life this Festive Season campaign’: Saveways Crescent Donor Centre between 09:00 and 17:00 and Pick n Pay Hyper, Klipfontein between 10:00 and 17:00.
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