Call from SANBS for blood donations

THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is urging people to donate blood as stocks sit below optimal levels.

- STAFF REPORTER

The SANBS said there is a usual dip in national blood collections during and immediately after the festive season. While this is expected, rebuilding healthy stock levels early in the year is essential to ensure the continuous availability of blood products for patients who depend on them.

It added that several factors contributing to blood stocks dropping in January, and largely impacting on SANBS’ reliance on organised blood drives, such as:

¢ Holiday travel and movement: Donors are often away from their regular donation centres during December, leading to fewer visits.

¢ Limited workplace and campus drives: Workplaces, schools and universities and key collection points close or operate on reduced schedules over the festive season.