Urgent appeal for blood donors as stocks run low
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) in Boksburg calls on all eligible blood donors to donate blood.
People are urged to donate blood to prevent blood low stocks normally caused by the anticipated increased number of accidents during the Easter holidays.
The SANBS says it needs at least 3 000 units of blood every day in order to save lives and sustains its services.
Organisation’s national communications manager, Vanessa Raju, says hospitals are at risk of experiencing blood shortages during this period because of the number of road accidents.
“It is also a time when blood collection is already difficult. This comes about with regular school, tertiary institutions and business blood drives being virtually impossible to assist in sustaining a safe blood stock level to meet the demand,” explains Raju.
“We understand that many people will be busy or going on holiday over this period, but it only takes about 30 minutes of your time to make a huge difference to others in need of blood.
“Easter is often a time for family and donating blood is a great way of knowing you may be able to give someone else more time with theirs.”
If you are in good health and between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh more than 50 kg, and you lead a sexually safe lifestyle, you are urged to make your way to the Boksburg Blood donor centre at Bentel Avenue, Bartlett. Contact them on 011 826 5844.
For more information you can also contact SANBS Boksburg’s PRO, Mpho Letlatsa, on 011 897 4906 or 079 888 3059 or e-mail mpho.letlatsa@sanbs.org.za or visit www.sanbs.org.za.
