Latest news with #NationalBloodDonorMonth


Eyewitness News
6 days ago
- Business
- Eyewitness News
SA National Blood Service reveals less than 1% of citizens donate blood
CAPE TOWN - Latest statistics from the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) show just under 1% of the population donates blood. That's below a World Health Organization (WHO) target, which requires countries to have a 1% to 3% donor rate. With June being National Blood Donor Month, there are increased calls for more citizens to donate blood. However, the spokesperson for th e SANBS, Thandi Mosupye, says socio-economic issues and disease pose a challenge. 'Our previous census from 2022, you will see that S outh Africa has got about 62 million people, but if you look at the number in terms of donors that are there, you'll see that we are just short of 1%.' Mosupye says blood is needed for patients during surgery and paediatric care. 'We need to collect about 3,500 units of blood on a daily basis to meet the demand of the areas in which we are servicing, and in the past, we've found ourselves having come short of that number though at this point in time we are doing fairly well in terms of our collection.'


eNCA
6 days ago
- General
- eNCA
SANBS urges South Africans to donate blood
JOHANNESBURG - June marks National Blood Donor Month. The South African National Blood Service is urging you to give the gift of life, and donate blood. Surgeries and many other medical emergencies means shortage of blood remains high.

IOL News
03-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Your guide to safe blood donation: When to donate and when to wait
The Western Cape Blood Service is appealing for people to donate blood. June marks National Blood Donor Month in South Africa, a time dedicated to celebrating and promoting the importance of blood donation across the nation. Blood remains in constant demand for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatments, and complications during childbirth, as it cannot be artificially produced. According to the Western Cape government, every donation can potentially save up to three lives. Once collected, blood is separated into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Each of these are used for different life-saving treatments. While the process is quick, safe, and relatively painless, the number of active donors in the province remains critically low. Fewer than two percent of the Western Cape's population donate regularly, even though many more are eligible.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Community Blood Center urges donations during National Blood Donor Month
JOPLIN, Mo. — The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks denotes January as a time to recognize donors — it's National Blood Donor Month. CBCO representatives say blood can be donated every 56 days, up to six times a year – and those donations save lives. Reps tell us blood that has been donated and tested, already on the shelves, are the units that are ready for an emergency. So, donations are constantly needed. Reminding people to donate this month is appropriate because it is a particularly challenging time for blood donations… due to post-holiday fatigue, illnesses going around, and winter weather. 'With the winter weather that we had about two weeks ago, we did have blood drives cancel and we did have donor centers that were closed, so we're already at a loss for the month of January of what we've collected. So, we're trying to amp that back up, get the shelves restocked,' said Michelle Teter, CBCO media relations representative. O-negative and B-positive blood types are needed right now. Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh 110 pounds, and feel well the day they want to donate. Staff will test their iron levels, blood pressure, and take note of medications to make sure it's safe to donate. It takes about an hour to donate and appointments are encouraged. You can find more information on signing up, here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.