Klerksdorp Midweek, Klerksdorp - If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to start donating blood, it is best to begin immediately. SANBS is appealing to O+ donors to donate as blood stock levels are critical. The current levels are very low. SANBS needs to maintain a blood stock level of five days for each blood group to ensure sustained blood availability for patients in need. It is classified as significantly low when it reaches 3.5 days and critical at 3 days. According to the SANBS website, less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors. A unit of blood only lasts 42 days after donation and, for this reason, it is important for blood donors to donate regularly. Donors can give blood as often as every eight weeks.
It states that every unit of blood can save a minimum of three lives as blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets.
SANBS aims to collect 3 000 units of blood per day to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply in the health care system.
Visit your nearest blood donor centre now. In Klerksdorp it is situated at Flamwood Walk. You have to be 16 years or older to donate blood.
