BONUS - RUSTENBURG - The saying of "Your blood saves lives" is synonymous with the South African National Blood Services (SANBS), however, not many people realise just how important it is to donate blood until a loved one (or they themselves) are lying in a hospital bed with an urgent need for a blood transfusion.
With the festive season around the corner and unfortunately, the reality of many road accidents on the cards, the need for blood donation is greater than ever.
Dawid Zaayman, who is a regular blood donor from Rustenburg, has donated more than 100 times. He says it is tremendously rewarding to help others in this way and that other members of his family are also blood donators. "There is no need to be scared, it doesn't hurt," he reassures people who are considering donation, but who are scared of needles and pain.
Many of us are familiar with the four major blood groups (A, B, AB, and O), but some individuals have rarer blood types. For these individuals, finding a compatible blood donor can be challenging. As such, for the many patients who require frequent blood transfusions, a close blood type match is critical to avoiding complications. When blood is matched closely, it reduces the risk of adverse reactions in patients, ensuring safer and more effective transfusions. Therefore, it is vital that the blood donor pool reflects our nation’s ethnic and racial diversity, ensuring all South Africans in need have access to compatible donors.
Presently, less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors. This poses a significant challenge, as each unit of donated blood only lasts 42 days. The SANBS aims to maintain a five-day stock level of each blood type to ensure constant availability for patients. This means donors are encouraged to give blood regularly - every eight weeks, if possible.
By becoming a regular blood donor, you will play a crucial role in sustaining the lives of those in need. The impact of each donation is profound. Every unit of blood can be separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets, potentially saving at least three lives - and it will only take up approximately 30 minutes of your time.
Blood donation requirements:
* Age: 16 to 75
* Weight: 50kg or above
* Good general health or no recent illness
* Leading a safe lifestyle
* A commitment to donate regularly
* Eat a meal or snack before donating.
Rustenburg Lifestyle Donor Centre (1st Floor, Lifestyle Square) business hours:
Monday - 10:00 to 17:00
Tuesday - 09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday-Friday - 09:00 to 17:00
Saturday - 09:00 to 15:00
Sunday - Closed
