June is dedicated to blood donors. Without them and their dedication to blood donation, lives would be lost.
World Blood Donor Day is commemorated annually on 14 June in a global celebration of the millions of people throughout the world who give their blood on a voluntary, unpaid basis to save the lives of those in need.
Less than 1% of South Africans are active blood donors. A unit of blood only lasts 42 days after donation and, for this reason, it is important for blood donors to donate regularly. Donors can give blood as often as every eight weeks.
Every unit of blood can save a minimum of three lives as blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) aims to collect 3000 units of blood per day to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply in the health care system.
Donating a unit of this “precious gift of life” saves the lives of those in dire need of blood.
Thousands of patients would die daily if there was insufficient quality blood in stock.
When one donates blood, they give patients the gift that money cannot buy or science cannot create.
To find out where and how you can donate blood, visit the SANBS website at www.sanbs.org.za.