Help Avoid Blood Shortages

As we approach the holiday break, we know that traditionally this is a time when there are several road accidents, which adds to the daily demand for blood. It is also a time when blood collection is already difficult. This comes about with regular school, tertiary institutions and business blood drives being virtually impossible to assist in sustaining a safe blood stock level to meet the demand.

In times like these we have to appeal to donors to make their way to one of the closest blood drives or donor centres. Unfortunately when the holidays arrive, the demand does not decrease, and approximately 3 000 units of blood is still needed by patients daily and for each day we are unable to make this target, the total units of blood that is available depletes.

“We understand that many people will be busy or going on holiday over this period, but it only takes about 30 minutes of your time to make a huge difference to others in need of blood.  Easter is often a time for family and donating blood is a great way of knowing you may be able to give someone else more time with theirs, and as our latest campaign states; Don’t Let Life , Get In The Way Of Life ” says Vanessa Raju, National Communications Manager, SANBS.

If you are in good health and between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh more than 50 kg, and you lead a sexually safe lifestyle, make your way to your nearest donor centre.

To find out where your nearest donor centre is visit www.sanbs.org.za, call toll free 0800 11 9031 or sms your NAME and POST CODE of the area you live in to 31454 and we will sms you details of your nearest blood donor centre.

You are not just a blood donor. You save lives.

Minimum Requirements to be a donor:

•    Between the ages of 16-65 years old
•    Weigh more than 50kg’s
•    Have eaten a good meal before donating
•    Lead a sexually safe lifestyle

SANBS would like to thank all regular blood donors, who are silent heroes and we urge you to continue donating blood regularly.

For more information visit us on www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 9031.

For media enquiries contact:

Ms Vanessa Raju  (This contact is only for media enquiries)
National: Communications Manager
South African National Blood Service
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tel: 011 761 9300
Cell: 071 602 7241

For all other queries:

Call : 0800 11 9031
email : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

About the SANBS
SANBS is a non-profit organisation; therefore, ownership of its assets does not vest in its members. In the event that SANBS should stop operating, its assets would have to be transferred to an organisation with similar goals and objectives.

SANBS provides an essential service within South Africa and 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. SANBS is further regarded as a major role player in the provision of support to countries in the SADC region.

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