Nights are getting longer and the chill is in the air. While most South Africans are stocking up on hot chocolate, fluffy blankets and warm socks, others will find themselves in the unfortunate osition of having to spend their nights in not-so-snug hospital beds in need of blood that can only be sourced from healthy, voluntary blood donors.

During this time of year, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) experiences a difficult time in collecting enough healthy donors to keep up with the demand for blood and blood products. As regular blood donors cannot donate while they are ill, it becomes critical that new and healthy blood donors come forward and join the less than 1% of South Africans who selflessly give blood and save lives daily. Your one unit of blood can save up to three lives, giving them and their loved ones a chance to create new memories.

“Our current blood stock level is low and this is forecasted to fall further if we are unable to increase collections. Group O blood is most affected and as most of us know, this is most in demand as it is the universal blood and can be given to patients of any other blood group in cases of emergency”, said Silungile Mlambo, SANBS Chief Marketing Officer.

So, be a hero, it’s in your BLOOD!

Visit www.sanbs.org.za or contact 0800 11 9031 to find out where you can donate blood. Follow us on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) and Instagram (@thesanbs).

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