THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) needs donors.
Blood supplies are running critically low because of the school holidays and widespread flu.
Currently the blood stock levels are at 1.7 days compared to the required five days.
According to SANBS representative Debbie Duff from the Richards Bay Blood Donor Centre, the number of blood donors this season is disappointing as fewer people have come forward.
‘What most people do not realise is that blood donations are actually beneficial for your health. Research has shown that donating blood lessens the risk of heart attacks and cancer and 650 calories are used with every pint donated,’ said Duff.
Duff compared blood donation to the service of a car. ‘One’s body is like a car and every now and then your ‘car’ needs to be serviced. Blood donations cleanses the body and reproduce new red blood cells.’
A single blood donation can save three lives.
Donors must weigh more than 50kg, be between the ages of 16-65, be in good health and maintain a safe sexual lifestyle.
There will be several local blood drives throughout this month.
There is one on Mandela Day, 18 July, at the Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre from 9am to 6pm.
There will also be blood drives at various schools once the school holidays end.
SANBS teams will be at Empangeni High school on 24 July, Richards Bay High School on the 28th, John Ross College on the 29th and eShowe High School on the 31st.
For more information contact 035 7893610.
