SOUTH AFRICANS responded to the outcry of South Afican National Blood Services with a shortage of blood units. On Wednesday a total number of 5473 units of blood were collected, overtaking theh 4500 units, this is enough stock for the Easter holidays.
Chief marketing officer, Silungile Mlambo, thanks South Africans for folloing the hashtag, #NewBlood, and turning things around,
Close to 7 000 people turned up at donor centres on Wednesday, with just under 5 500 units being collected.
“We are completely overwhelmed by the turnout, the #NewBlood we collected yesterday will help us ensure that no lives are placed at risk this Easter. There will be enough blood for babies born prematurely, accident victim and people suffereing from chronic illnesses,” she said.
Mlambo urged those who had turned out on Wednesday, as well as other South Africans, to continue to donate blood regularly.
“Currently less than 1% of South Africans , that is about 400 000 that donate blood even though it demands little more than giving up 30 minutes about four times a year,” said Mlambo.
Mlambo indicates , the beauty of blood donation is that virtually anyone can do it, as one doesn’t have to r live in a fancy house or have a graduate degree.
“If you’re over 16 years old, weigh over 50kg and practice a safe lifestyle, you can be a blood donor,and by giving blood you can save a minimum of three lives” concluded Mlambo.
Visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31 to find out where you can donate.
For more information, contact Lee-Ann Collingridge at lee-ann@flowsa.com or 011 440-4841 or 0721252826
