SANBS urges donors to donate during the Holiday Season
‘Our blood stocks tend to dip during this period, as everyone is on holiday’
At some point during the holidays, we will all take a moment to think about those less fortunate than us – and then feel the need to do some good.
Ivor Hobbs, the Regional Marketing Manager of the South African National Blood Services (SANBS), said, “This holiday season, rather than buying a bad gift, why not register as a blood donor, and give the gift of life?”
He added that people tend to forget to donate when the holiday season draws near, as they are often away on holiday. “This means that, although our demand stays the same (or is sometimes higher), the supply is less. But, it is very easy to donate, even if you are not near your ‘home’ donor centre. You can just call us on our toll free number (0800 11 9031) and you will be assisted with the details of a donor centre near you,” he said.
Ivor said that, contrary to popular belief, the majority of blood donations are not needed for accident and trauma victims, but for woman who just gave birth and cancer patients, and, with less than one per cent of all South Africans currently being donors, they have a huge mountain to climb to supply these needs.
“Because we know that blood donation is a very personal and emotional decision, and not something you have to do, we try to make the experience as enjoyable and accessible as possible. This is a gift you are giving to someone that you might never meet,” said Ivor.
He also urged blood donors to consider becoming platelet and plasma donors, as the need for these products are very high, “Cancer patients might need a platelet transfusion three to four times a week, and, if there are no platelets, they have to patiently wait until they become available. Donors can sign up for this at our Westgate donor centre.”
Another way to ensure that blood stocks don’t become depleted is for individuals and companies to commit to hosting blood drives. Ivor explained, “It is very easy to do, you just go to the SANBS’ website and request to book a blood drive. All we ask is that you commit to host a drive at least four times a year.”
The 17-year-old Joanne Tetty, who had just completed her second donation, said, “I started donating blood because I love helping people. I have always wanted to donate blood, and, when I turned 16, I went to my nearest donor centre. Even though I was deferred the first time, I did not let that get me down, and vowed to go back. After each donation, I feel very proud, knowing that my donation would be able to help at least three other people alive.”
She concluded by saying that she would recommend blood donation to every young person, and said, “For those who are scared of the needle, I can assure you that it is not as bad as you think, and, before you know it, it is over and done with.”
The Westgate Donor Centre will be open during the festive season, except on public holidays. Their trading hours are as follows:
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 8.30am to 4pm
• Wednesday – 8.30 am to 6.30pm
• Saturday – 8am to 4pm
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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