#NewBlood campaign to save lives

THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is implementing a mass blood drive next Thursday, Human Rights Day, to recruit new donors and ensure there is sufficient stock of safe blood available.

The #NewBlood campaign is targeting the collection of 1 500 units on the public holiday in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Currently, less than 1% of South Africans donate blood, even though it demands little more than giving up 30 minutes of their time at least twice a year,” said Sifiso Khoza, regional marketing manager for the SANBS.

“That means that we often experience shortages which places lives at risk.

“We are therefore calling on anyone who has never donated or has not donated in over a year to lend a hand by becoming a blood donor, starting on Human Rights Day.”

Khoza said the SANBS would host blood drives around KZN.

“The beauty of blood donation is that virtually anyone can do it. If you’re over 16 years old, weigh over 50kg and practice a safe lifestyle, you can be a blood donor,” Khoza said.

“Holidays are, unfortunately, the time when we traditionally run short of blood because we are not able to host our regular drives at schools and university campuses.

“But this year, the SANBS wants to start turning things around. We want to lend a hand and ensure there is enough safe blood available in the country.”

To find out more about donating blood and to locate your nearest SANBS donor centre in KwaZulu-Natal, visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31.