February is the month of love, enjoyed by people in a romantic way, but, at the South African National Blood Service, (SANBS) love is celebrated every month.<\/p>\n
With your unselfish act of donating blood and sharing the love of the human race, you can make a difference to the lives of patients you may never know.<\/p>
SANBS encourages all eligible donors to share their liquid love this month and to commit to donating blood a minimum of four times a year.<\/p>\n
It’s not too late to make this your resolution for 2014.<\/p>
As a gesture to say “thank you”, the SANBS has a special gift for those who donate four units in a calendar year.<\/p>\n
“With schools, universities and organisations all back to usual operation we are able to maintain a good blood stock level, especially with the help of donors,” said Vanessa Raju, communications manager for the SANBS.<\/p>\n
“However, we know that this can change on any given day if our daily collection of 3 000 units is not met.”<\/p>\n
All blood groups are very important, but Group O is the group that is most often in short supply.<\/p>\n
The demand for this is much higher, as it can be used for patients of all other blood groups.<\/p>\n
If you belong to the blood groups A and AB, why not consider becoming a platelet donor?<\/p>\n
You can find out more from the staff at your local blood drive or donor centre.<\/p>\n
Donate Blood at the Germiston Donor Centre, at the Lambton Court Shopping Centre, at the corner of Beacon and Webber roads, in Lambton.<\/p>\n
The operating hours are:<\/p>\n
What are platelets?<\/p>\n
Platelets play a vital role in blood clotting and prevention of excess blood loss.<\/p>\n
Platelet donation is a simple process that takes about one-and-a-half hours to complete.<\/p>\n
The blood is processed through a cell separator, which retains the platelets and returns the other blood components to the donor’s system.<\/p>\n
This procedure enables people to donate platelets every month.<\/p>\n
In order to become a blood donor you must:<\/p>\n
If you wish to find out more about where to donate and more about becoming a donor, call 0800 1190 31, email customerservice@sanbs.org.za, or visit www.sanbs.org.za<\/a><\/p>\n