National Blood Donor Month: Your Blood Saves Lives

In June, South Africa celebrates National Blood Donor Month, and 14 June is World Blood Donor Day. Why do we devote an entire month to blood donation, and why is giving blood so important?

It's the literal lifeblood

The average adult has about five litres of blood. And these five litres play a crucial role in keeping us happy and healthy. Blood can be broken down into both red and white blood cells, plasma and platelets.

Together these components in the blood work to provide nutrients to the body, carry away waste products, give oxygen to the lungs and help us fight illness and infection.

So why should I donate blood?

It's simple. By donating just one unit of blood, you can save up to three lives. Giving blood is one of the most selfless and rewarding acts you can do – in just ten minutes!

Why would someone need a blood donation?

According to the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), here are a few main reasons why someone would need a blood transfusion:

• If necessary during surgery
• To help treat cancer and leukemia
• For children with severe anemia
• Accident victims
• Women who hemorrhage during childbirth

Who can donate?

You can become a blood donor if you are between 16 and 65 years old, weigh more than 50kg and lead a sexually-safe lifestyle.

Who can't donate?

You shouldn't donate blood if you do not lead a sexually-safe lifestyle or take recreational drugs, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have low iron. Certain medications like antibiotics may exclude you for a time, as will having recently gotten a tattoo or travelling to a malaria area.

Will it hurt?

The only pain will be a slight pinch when the needle is inserted into the vein. And that's it! All you need to do is lie back for about ten minutes and relax while you save lives.

After the donation, you may want to rest a little before getting up to prevent dizziness. Then you can just eat a cookie, drink plenty of fluids and avoid physical exertion on the day of your donation.

It's the perfect - and most admirable – excuse to skip the gym!

How will my donation be used?

Each blood donation is separated into its separate components such as red blood cells and plasma. That way your blood can go further to save the lives of different people.

If it's your first donation, your red blood cells won't be used, and your plasma will be quarantined. Only after all the tests come back negative after your second donation, will your plasma from the first one be used.

Only after three donations that all test negative for sexually-transmitted diseases will all components of your blood be used.

That's why it's important to keep donating. You can safely donate blood every 56 days.

Blood donors, we salute you!

Please keep on donating as it's thanks to you that we can treat those in need. Remember, just one unit of your blood can save three lives.