Donate blood to prevent Easter shortage: SANBS

The SA National Blood Service urged South Africans on Monday to donate blood to prevent a shortage during the Easter period.

"We understand that many people will be busy or going on holiday over this period, but it only takes about 30 minutes of your time to make a huge difference to others in need of blood," SANBS spokeswoman Vanessa Raju said in a statement.

"Easter is often a time for family and donating blood is a great way of knowing you may be able to give someone else more time with theirs."

She said 3000 units of blood were needed by patients daily.

"For each day we are unable to make this target, the total units of blood that is available depletes."

Raju said road accidents increased during the period and this added to the demand for blood.

"In times like these we have to appeal to donors to make their way to one of the closest blood drives or donor centres," she said.

"If you are in good health and between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh more than 50kg, and you lead a sexually safe lifestyle, make your way to your nearest donor centre."