The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is extending its operating hours amid an enhanced collection initiative for blood before the school and Easter holidays. The extension is designed to encourage donors nationwide, to make use of this opportunity to step forward and donate blood.
“We acknowledge that the current operating hours may be constrained for some donors who are due to donate or would like to donate for the first time,” said Siemi Prithvi Raj, SANBS Executive for Transfusion Donor Services and Marketing.
“This extension comes at a crucial time for SANBS as we look to expand our donor base and increase blood collections ahead of school closures and the Easter period,” Prithvi Raj added.
The SANBS is gearing up for this historically challenging period when schools close, and Easter rolls around. Since students comprise a sizeable ratio of the national donor base, school holidays have been synonymous with strained stock levels.
The SANBS will therefore extend its operating hours nationwide from March 4 to March 15 to increase blood stocks. This allows donors flexibility to donate at times best suited for them. Most donation sites will operate until 19:00 on weekdays to accommodate those who cannot visit during conventional operational times.
“With the help of our donors, we will be able to collect sufficient Group O blood, which represents the universal donor – group O blood can be given to group A, B, AB or O patients,” says Prithvi Raj.
Visit www.sanbs.org.za or contact 0800-119-031 to find out where you can donate blood. Follow SANBS on X (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) Instagram (@thesanbs) and TikTok (@thesanbs).
