Urgent blood donations are needed

WHILE many families will plan their vacations, staycations and pilgrimages for the Easter weekend, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is bracing itself to deal with an increased demand for blood - despite low blood stock levels.

Before heading off for the long holiday break, SANBS is urging existing and new blood donors to donate a pint of blood and relieve the difficult situation the blood bank has been navigating the last six months.

The pressure is mounting as the Easter long weekend is synonymous with high rates of road accidents.

SANBS senior manager for marketing, brand and communication, Thandi Mosupye, said while they hope for the best, they do anticipate this year will be no different.

'We have, unfortunately, struggled to reach the minimum required levels of blood stocks for several months,' said Mosupye.

'The Easter weekend finds us at a time when blood collection is already difficult so we're appealing to donors to visit their closest mobile blood drive or donor centre to give much-needed blood.

'Unfortunately when the holidays arrive, the demand for blood does not decrease.

‘We still need to collect at least 3 500 units of blood daily to adequately meet patients’ daily needs.

'For every day that we are unable to achieve this target, our total units of available blood keep depleting.'

Spare 30 minutes of time to make a huge difference to others in need of blood.

In Richards Bay, donors can visit the Blood Donor Clinic at Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre, Shop L40 or phone 035 7893610.