Lend a helping hand, give the gift of life
The winter school holidays and common winter viral illnesses may leave the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) in dire traits.
This has prompted the organisation to urge people to visit their local blood centres to donate blood.
According to SANBS’s Mpho Letlatsa, they are in dire need of blood donors because, traditionally, blood reserves are low in winter.
He added that the contributing factors include the common winter viral illnesses and that students go on a holiday break during the school holidays, resulting in fewer people donating blood.
“Some of the blood we collect comes from schools and universities and, due to the holidays, we are unable to hold these blood drives, which then impacts negatively on our blood collection,” said Letlatsa.
With the countdown underway for Mandela Day, the SANBS calls on all residents of Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas to take a few minutes of their time to donate blood, as part of their Mandela Day activities.
Nelson Mandela Day is a philanthropic occasion that challenges people the world over and reminds them that it is “time to serve” – and not just on July 18.
This would instil in blood donors a culture of making a difference throughout the year, by donating blood regularly.
“Although SANBS currently collects over one million units of blood annually at its 87 fixed donor centres and through daily blood drives managed by 100 mobile teams, there are instances when we fall short of the 3 000 units of blood required to meet daily demand and this greatly impacts on the lives of patients,” said SANBS’s national communications manager, Vanessa Raju, in a statement.
Ranju also stated that, traditionally, blood reserves are low in July and, since it is Nelson Mandela Day, they would like to inspire the public to choose blood donations as their continued act of kindness.
“There is no better way to honour the life and spirit of a man who epitomised the precious value of life than to donate blood and save the lives of accident victims, mothers in labour, cancer patients and thousands others,” said Raju.
According to Raju, when you donate blood you are saving three lives, because each unit of blood is separated into red blood cells, platelets and plasma.
Depending on medical needs, these products are estimated to benefit three patients daily.
To donate blood this month, in honour of the anti-apartheid icon who died at 95, in 2013, people can do their part by visiting their nearest blood centres.
SANBS also urges companies and organisations to get involved in organising blood drives in their organisations.
“Blood donors are in the privileged position to give somebody a second chance at life and, in this Mandela Month, SANBS encourages South Africans to pump up their efforts and to bleed for a purpose.” said Ranju.
In order to become a blood donor you must:
• Weigh at least 50kg
• Be between the ages of 16-65
• Lead a safe, sexual lifestyle
Blood donation is a drive that never stops and people are also encouraged to donate their blood at least four times a year, or once every 56 days.
For more information, contact Letlatsa on 011 897 4906 or send her an email at Mpho.Letlatsa@sanbs.org.za or visit www.sanbs.org.za. -@FanieFLK
