Story by: Thato Mgoma
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared 14 June as World Blood Donor Day. The theme for 2023 is, “Give Blood, give plasma, share life, share often”.
In observing this day, the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) for Kimberley invited donors and potential donors to the North Cape Mall to donate blood.
Valuable information was shared with donor about the importance of donating blood.
Yvonne Dewaal, a Nurse and Manager for Blood Collection Kimberley, indicated that they have 247 mobile clinics for Northern Cape, North West and the Free State province.
She said 450ml of blood is withdrawn from the donor, this process can be repeated fort nightly. Then separated at the lab into platelets, plasma and red cells.
Plasma is needed for various treatments like taking hormones, nutrients and proteins to certain parts of the body.
She explained that unfortunately the SANBS never gets enough donors. Dewaal said, “It’s genuine when they say only 1% of the population donates blood and the demand is so big that there is never enough blood. We target the group O because they can donate to any recipient. At any clinic or hospital, there must be at least 6 units of Group O blood in emergency fridges because they can donate to anyone.
There are three blood types namely, Group A, B, O, and AB. For each donation, the blood is tested to check the type”.
SANBS targets 20 donors per center per day but only 12 come in.
Jimmy Loft, a regular donor and Deputy Chairperson of SANBS, NC, says he started donating when one of his family members died of “Gangrene”, a conditions which caused death of body tissues due to lack of blood flow or serious bacterial infection. “I donate blood every two weeks because it is almost like going to the doctor for free. I know exactly what my height and weight is”.
“Donating blood also helps clean toxins, and it relaxes your veins. I am 40 years old and I don’t have any chronic illnesses because I get regular checkups prior to donating”, continued Loft
He indicated that, in an effort to encourage people to donate blood, they have ceremonies every second year and awards medals to donors who have been donating for many years to motivate and show appreciation”.
He further pleaded with the public to donate blood “as you do not know whose life you might save”.
Donors have to be between the ages of 16 and 75, weighing a minimum of 50kgs, in good health and consider your blood safe for transfusion. However, people who have had an abortion, miscarriage and given birth in the past three (3) months are not advised to donate in during that period.
Basic medical screening is conducted before the blood is withdrawn to eliminate any complications that may arise.
There is still a massive shortage of blood donors in South Africa. The SANBS is also still struggling to gain trust from potential donors, especially from blacks as most of are refusing to donate because they have a fear of the side effects of donating.
Please visit any blood donation center or visit www.sanbs.org.za for more information about blood donations.
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