While the country is gearing up towards doing something to make a difference to the lives of others this Mandela Day on the 18th July, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) would like to encourage the public to get involved now in blood donation. The current blood stocks are at a critical level and currently we are experiencing low collections due to schools and universities being on holiday as well as the cold weather conditions.
The collections have dropped drastically resulting in a daily average of about 1.7 days of blood being available.This is far less than the 5-day stock required to ensure that the country’s demand for safe blood is met. SANBS needs to collect 3000 units a day to meet the demand and since the start of the winter holidays we have not achieved this.
We are requesting the public to make every day a Mandela Day and become regular blood donors. This charitable act can save up to three lives and you can make this difference once every 56 days instead of just once a year. Your blood is vital in helping change the lives of those who are dependent on blood transfusions for their survival.
This is a plea to all South Africans who meet the minimum requirements to commit to donating blood, especially at this very difficult period.
Minimum requirements to be a donor:
• Be between the ages of 16 – 65 years
• Weigh more than 50 kg
• Be in good health
• Live a sexually safe lifestyle
To find your nearest donor centre call us on 0800 11 9031 or visit www.sanbs.org.za or find us on Facebook or Twitter. All our centres will be operating until 18:00 during the first three weeks of July 2013.
For media queries contact Vanessa Raju
Vanessa.Raju@sanbs.org.za
011 761 9300/ 071 602 7241
Statement supplied by South African National Blood Service (SANBS).
