Johannesburg – The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on Group O and B donors to give blood at their nearest donor centre and help boost declining blood stocks.
The non-profit organisation said the recent downpour will prompt many people to stay home and out of the unpleasant weather, but it should not keep them away from donating blood.
“The rain brings a welcomed relief from the heat of weeks past, but its persistence could threaten our operations, resulting in low collections. This means that we will not be able to meet the minimum of 3 500 units collected daily,” said Thandi Mosupye, SANBS senior manager: marketing and communications.
According to the SANBS, rainy conditions often lead to the cancellation of mobile blood drives, which account for most of the blood units collected daily.
The organisation is appealing to donors who are due for donations to spare some time out of their day and give the gift of life.
“We need your help to stabilise our stock levels, especially as we prepare for the festive season,” Mosupye said.
She advised that donors could even donate during load shedding, as all SANBS donor centres are electrified during blackouts.
On Tuesday, the SANBS launched the “Change a Life” campaign that will educate donors about platelet donation.
“Platelet donors are crucial in helping us provide much-needed products for the treatment of patients with blood disorders, cancer, and organ recipients. Patients undergoing cancer treatment are highly dependent on regular platelet donations as part of their recovery,” Mosupye said.
The SANBS said that with the help of donors, the organisation has been able to carry out the significant task of collecting blood to meet South Africa’s needs.
“Your unit of blood will give a needed boost to blood collections ahead of the upcoming December holidays,” said the organisation.
The Star