Lifesaver pupils set example
Over 20% of national blood donations last year were from school pupils
PUPILS between the ages of 16 and 19 were last year responsible for helping to save the lives of 21% of patients across South Africa by donating blood at school.
According to the South African National Blood Services (SANBS), 102 900 teens, from a total of 490 000 donors, stepped forward during 2015, making a significant impact on stocking up blood banks.
Each unit of blood has the potential to save three lives.
‘These young people are truly exemplary South Africans,’ said SANBS Chief Marketing Officer Thapelo Mokoena.
‘They have made the decision to sacrifice their time to donate a unit of blood to somebody they might never even meet. We are proud of them.
‘The learners’ consistent participation in blood drives is made possible through carefully considered partnerships with schools throughout the country.
‘Various governing bodies, principals, heads of department, teachers and parents play a big role in encouraging young people to donate blood.
‘Arranging blood drives at schools is not an easy task because the demanding academic schedules and extra-curricular activities must not be compromised.’
But despite the challenges, the blood service last year managed to host blood drives at 1 161 schools and invites more schools to become partners.
‘We hope matriculants will continue to donate even though they have exited the basic education system,’ said Mokoena.
‘Whether they join the workforce, enrol in a tertiary institution or take a gap year, it will give us great joy to see them saving many more lives from wherever they are and to remain part of the SANBS family for years to come.’
The organisation needs to collect 3 000 units every day to meet the demand of hospital patients throughout the country.
For more information, contact SANBS on 0800 11 90 3 or send an email to customerservice@sanbs.org.za.
