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The SANBS is calling on group O and B donors to make a visit to their nearest donor centre. This comes as blood stocks decline ahead of the festive season.
To help boost donation, the national blood service launched the Change a Life campaign on 8 November. It is aimed at educating people about platelet donation.
“Platelet donors have a crucial role to play in helping us to provide much-needed products for the treatment of patients with blood disorders or cancer, as well as organ recipients. Patients undergoing cancer treatment are highly dependent on regular platelet donations as part of their recovery,” said Thandi Mosupye, SANBS marketing and communications manager.
Potential donors are being called upon to spare some time out of their day to save lives.
“We need your help to stabilise our stock levels, especially as we prepare for the festive season,” Mosupye requested.
She advised that donors could even donate during loadshedding, as all centres have access to a power supply during blackouts.
The target is to collect a minimum of 3 500 units daily.
“With the help of donors, the SANBS 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 Mosupye.
According to the organisation, to carry out its task it is depending on approximately 500 000 registered donors – a far cry from South Africa’s 60 million strong population.
Mobile blood drives are being run across the country.
Visit sanbs.org.za or dial 080-011-9031 to find a nearby mobile drive or donor centre and become involved.
