The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) had shown a significant increase in the blood stock over the festive season. Donors showed their support during this traditionally difficult time for SANBS. We managed to get through this period without going into a shortage; for this we say a big THANK YOU!
However, there has been a massive decline in donations as we entered January 2015. This resulted in the days cover dropping to 2.5 days. This is significantly lower than the 5 days blood stock that is needed to meet the demand in the country.
Instead of giving something up this year, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is asking people to give blood. Donating blood saves lives. It’s an easy resolution to keep and it is easy to get started.
Each day, 3000 units of blood must be collected to supply the hospitals in South Africa. The need for blood is on-going – every 35 seconds someone in South Africa needs a blood transfusion.
“There are many people who haven’t donated before, or haven’t done so for a while, and we are asking them to come forward and donate blood regularly. Your blood saves lives,” says Sifiso Khoza, Regional Marketing Manager at SANBS.
We would like to encourage all our donors to donate blood on a regular basis. In order to recognise the tremendous efforts from our committed donors SANBS will be giving a special edition sports bag to all donors who achieve four blood donations this year.
To become a blood donor you must:
• Be between the ages of 16-65 years
• Weigh more than 50kg
• Lead a sexually safe lifestyle
• Be healthy on the day of donation
• Have eaten a good meal before donating.
How to find the nearest donor centre
Phone 0800 11 9031 | www.sanbs.org.za | Facebook.com/SANBS | Twitter @theSANBS | Send your postal code to 31454.
About the SANBS
SANBS is a non-profit organisation which provides an essential service within South Africa. It is rated amongst the best in the world in the provision of blood and blood products, as well as in relation to the research and training provided. SANBS operates across all of South Africa, with the exclusion of the Western Cape.