After the nation witnessed SANBS being looted live on TV during the president’s speech last night, South Africans are wanting to donate – this is how.
South Africa (13 July 2021) – Last night as we listened to President Cyril Ramaphosa address the nation about the looting and anarchy, eNCA was streaming live footage of the looting and filmed several men breaking down the door of a SANBS donation centre.
We sat, gobsmacked that looting would have been done at a facility that had no valuables to offer. With the donation centre ransacked, people in that part of Durban won’t have a SANBS donation centre to visit.
The long-lasting effects of this looting will be felt beyond the pockets of South Africans, it will be felt in the hospitals and medical facilities that rely on a steady supply of medical goods like oxygen and blood.
The SANBS condemns vandalism and the destruction of property. We call for calm and remind everyone of the importance of working together to ensure that we save lives. #TrustedToSaveLives
— The SANBS (@theSANBS) July 12, 2021
With one centre down and many more forced to stay closed, where will our blood supply come from? Who is at risk if the blood supply dwindles? How can we help?
All these questions leave us feeling nervous about the state of South Africa but there is something we can do. If it is safe to do so, we can donate blood! We can all play our part and keep the supply up so that we can save as many lives as possible.
If you are looking for things to do to try to combat the negativity from the last few days, head to your nearest blood bank (once you have called them to ensure they are open) and donate what you can.
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.
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Every unit of blood can save a minimum of three lives as blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets.
“SANBS aims to collect 3000 units of blood per day to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply in the health care system. This is the journey of 1 unit of donated blood.
There are many SANBS blood donation centres open to the public. To find the location nearest to you, click on our map. Or you may consider motivating your employer to host a blood drive at your offices for the convenience of all staff members.”
Please reach out to the SANBS to ensure you can donate at your nearest donor centre. You can contact them here.
People looted @theSANBS??? Our blood bank?!? I am so confused but am planning on heading to my local branch and donating blood tomorrow. If you can, do the same! Let’s all give back cause good grief, we can’t allow them to just keep taking! pic.twitter.com/DVRlQpI9jx
— Brent Lindeque (@BrentLindeque) July 12, 2021
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