SANBS appeals for blood

2008-10-06 14:27

Pretoria - The SA National Blood Service (SANBS) appealed on Monday for more people to donate blood as its stocks were diminishing.

The country only had one day's supply of group O blood instead of the seven days blood stock required, SANBS said.

The shortage of blood may have been exacerbated by the recent school holidays.

"Some schools would not allow our staff members to collect blood as they are busy preparing for examinations," SANBS said.

In an effort to increase blood collection, the body would on Monday launch the Big Blood Bash campaign.

"In this campaign, SANBS staff members will be creating awareness within companies about the importance of giving blood."

In order to donate blood people should be between 16 and 65-years-old and weigh on average 50kg.

- SAPA