National Blood Donor Day 2023 – 14 June Newsletter

National Blood Donor Day 2023 – 14 June

World Blood Donor Day 2023 – National Blood Donor Day, celebrated on the 14th of June, serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role that blood donors play in our healthcare system.

It is an opportunity to celebrate and thank voluntary blood donors around the world for their gift of blood.

South African National Blood Service (SANBS) – Where can I donate Blood?

Blood Transfusions Save Lives!

Everyday, numerous lives depend on the availability of safe and adequate blood supplies. Blood transfusions are vital in emergencies, and for on-going treatments for patients with life threatening conditions including:

• Accident victims,
• Cancer patients,
• And individuals undergoing surgery.

For the Blood Donor Day 2023, the South African Blood Donor Service operates across all South Africa except for the Western Cape. The Western Cape is run by the Western Cape Blood Service. Both organisations run blood donor clinics around the country regularly. You can contact a centre near you to donate.

What Blood Types Are In Demand?

Type “O” is the most common blood type and currently both the SANBS and the WCBS are running critically low on stocks. Blood type O negative can be transferred to all blood types and Blood type O positive can be transferred to all positive blood groups.

Blood Donor Day 2023 – How does the donor process work?

1. 1. Donors are asked to complete a Donor Questionnaire.
   2. This is followed by a one-on-one interview with the nurse at the clinic to ensure the questions have been answered correctly and understood.
   3. Your blood pressure and iron levels are checked.
   4. Once you are in the chair, the nurse will confirm your name, date of birth and address.
   5. It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish to donate blood. You are requested to lie down for a few minutes once you have donated.
   6. Make sure that you increase your fluid intake for 4-6 hours after having donated. Please avoid strenuous exercise with the arm used for donating blood for at least 2 hours.
   7. You can donate blood every 56 days.

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