The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is excited to extend its operating hours amid an enhanced collection initiative ahead of the school holidays and Easter festivities.
This is intended to encourage donors nationwide to make use of the opportunity to step forward and donate. “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,” she added.
The service 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.
SANBS has therefore extend operating hours nationwide until 15 March to increase blood stocks. This allows donors flexibility to donate at times that suit them best.
Most donation sites will operate until 19:00 on weekdays to accommodate those who cannot visit during office hours. Prithvi Raj added: “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”.
- 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).
