The South African National Blood Service is using World Blood Donor Day to help boost their donor roll as currently, only 1% of SA donates.
South Africa – Today is World Blood Donor Day, and the South African National Blood Service is speaking to all the big radio stations to encourage listeners to become blood donors.
They are sharing the message that a unit of blood can save up to three lives. Only 1% of South Africans are active blood donors, and ethnic groups represent an even lower percentage within that. They hope every eligible South African will take time today to visit a local donation centre or blood drive to see if they can donate. You can find a list of requirements and exclusions here.
All donors belong to one of four blood groups: A, B, AB or O. You are also classified as either Rh positive or Rh negative. There are, therefore, eight different main blood groups.
Not all blood groups are compatible with each other, and the success of modern transfusion medicine depends on classifying and matching donors and patients correctly. Group O blood is known as the universal blood type, as it can be given to patients of any blood group.
If you do not know your blood type, you can still head down to donate; the SANBS will determine your type and inform you next time you go to donate.
Through global innovations, blood donation is becoming more advanced. Just yesterday, we shared the good news that scientists are finding a way to convert all blood the universal type O. The SANBS is also turning to innovative methods, using drones to deliver life-saving blood to hospitals.
The future is bright, but today, you can be the difference that saves three lives. You can find your nearest donor centre here.
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