A New Year resolution to give blood

2012 has arrived, the festivities are over and it’s back to life as we know it. At the South African National Blood Service it is yet another year that begins with daunting blood collections. January is also a time we struggle to keep the collections as an acceptable level and this is due the poor collections over December that continues up until the end of January.

The holiday periods and winter months have always been difficult for the blood collections and with people being busy preparing for the start of the school year or getting ready to face another year, blood donation does not feature high on the priority list.

So, whilst you busy making resolutions or just planning the year head, why not consider becoming a committed blood donor.

 “This is a special appeal to the public to find atleast 30 minutes every 56 days and donate blood, with a commitment to donate a minimum of four times through 2012” says Vanessa Raju, Brand and Communications Manager

The current blood shortages could get serious if the collections are not increased daily, we aim to collect 3000 units per day, however to the holidays we were averaging about 1450 units per day in the country. To get our blood stocks up we would need to collect an average of 4500 per day to get us back to the 5 days that is needed.

For more information on where to donate please call: 0800 11 90 31 or visit: www.sanbs.org.za