Klerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - The South African National Blood Service is appealing for donations as blood stocks are below optimal levels.
This dip in national blood collections during and immediately after the festive season is not unusual but rebuilding healthy stock levels early in the year is essential to ensure the continuous availability of blood products for patients who depend on them.
“Behind current blood stock levels are real people; mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and children - receiving treatment in hospitals every day. Their recovery, and in some cases survival, depends on the continued availability of donated blood,” says Thandi Mosupye, Senior Manager: Marketing, Communication and Brand at SANBS. This crisis is due to donors who are often away from their regular donation centres during December and workplaces, schools and universities and key collection points closing or operating on reduced schedules over the festive season.
“SANBS is encouraging O and B blood group donors who are due for donation to donate as these groups contribute significantly to the stability of the national blood supply: O negative is the universal blood type used in emergencies and B contributes significantly to maintaining balanced stock for specific patient groups.
“Whether you are an O, A, B or AB donor your contribution matters, and we welcome you,” adds Mosupye.
