Did you know that only 1% of South Africans are active blood donors? The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) says that it needs to collect 3 000 units of blood every day to ensure a safe and sufficient supply in the health care system. So we’re gratified that Trellidor staff members at head office donate as often as they can.
The SANBS van arrives at Trellidor head office every month and has a good turnout from factory and administration employees. Donors can donate safely every eight weeks, so there is a different group donating every month.
During the first week of November Trellidor had 19 people lining up to donate. The SANBS team always check your state of health to make sure it is safe for you to donate. This includes screening tests such as blood pressure, hemoglobin level and pulse rate, amongst others. At the end of the checking process, 12 people were fit to donate blood.
Apparently a unit of blood can save a minimum of three lives as the blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets and used accordingly. If you are healthy and lead a low risk lifestyle, you could be a much-valued blood donor, helping to save lives.
Please visit the SANBS website to find where you could do this. They have some excellent graphics that show you the national stocks of all the blood types.
If you become a blood donor, don’t forget to ask about becoming a bone marrow donor too. A simple test on your blood will show whether or not you are a good candidate. For more on bone marrow donation, visit The Sunflower Fund.