In support of Mandela Day, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is appealing to all South Africans to honour the late Nelson Mandela\u2019s legacy and give the gift of life \u2013 blood.<\/p>\n
Mandela Day is a philanthropic occasion which challenges people across the world and reminds them that it is \u201ctime to serve\u201d, and not just on July 18.<\/p>
This would instill in blood donors a culture of making a difference throughout the year by donating blood regularly.<\/p>\n
Although SANBS currently collects over one million units of blood annually at its 87 fixed donor centres and through daily blood drives managed by 100 mobile teams, there are instances when the organisation falls short of the 3 000 units of blood required to meet the daily demand and this greatly impacts on the lives of patients.<\/p>
Traditionally blood reserves are low in July and since it is Mandela Day, SANBS would like to inspire the public to choose blood donation as their continued act of kindness.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no better way to honour the life and spirit of a man who epitomised the precious value of life than to donate blood and save the lives of accident victims, mothers in labour, cancer patients and thousands of others,\u201d said Vanessa Raju, national communications manager for SANBS.<\/p>\n
Each unit of blood is separated into red blood cells, platelets and plasma and, depending on medical needs, these products are estimated to benefit three patients daily.<\/p>\n
Patience Thusi is a primary school teacher whose life has been saved because of a blood transfusion.<\/p>\n
Thusi has aplastic anaemia and receives regular blood transfusions to replenish her bloodstream which is compromised due to consistent heavy bleeding.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am always mindful of the gift of blood that circulates through my body — without the blood and platelets I would be gone by now,\u201d said Thusi.<\/p>\n
Blood donors are in the privileged position to give somebody a second chance at life and this Mandela Month SANBS encourages South Africans to pump up their efforts and bleed for a purpose.<\/p>\n
On Mandela Day, July 18, visit the Germiston Donor Centre at the Lambton Court Shopping Centre to donate blood from 8.30am to 2pm.<\/p>\n
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Other blood donation articles:<\/p>\n