THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) blood levels crisis has reached a critical stage.
Blood stocks are extremely low, in particular Group O blood, the universal blood group that can be given to anyone in an emergency.
The current stock level is only on 1.5 days. To be on a healthy level again, SANBS needs five days of blood stocks.
Without the commitment from regular blood donors throughout the year, meeting the collection target of blood donations is virtually impossible according to SANBS.
In an attempt to increase the levels, the Richards Bay Blood Donor Centre will host a massive blood drive on Mandela Day, 18 July. The centre operating hours will be extended and people are invited come in and donate blood anytime between 9am and 6pm.
Last year, Richards Bay Donor Centre collected the most blood in KZN on Mandela Day with 86 units of blood.
Richards Bay Blood Donor Centre’s Debbie Duff advised that those who are fit to donate blood, should do so at the centre this Friday.
‘This year the centre aims for 120 units. Your blood definitely saves lives. With the levels being so low, it is worrying for us all.
‘Unfortunately, when the supply of blood drops, the demand does not decrease. Approximately 3 000 units of blood is still needed by patients daily and for each day we are unable to make this target, the total units of blood available depletes,’ she said.
Zululanders can contact the Richards Bay SANBS on 035 7893610 or you can visit the branch at the Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre Shop L40 next to HUB.
