Blood bank calls for donations

Namibia Blood Transfusion Service (NamBTS) and World Health Organisation (WHO) launched the 8 week long campaign, “Donate Before You Go” seeking to ensure adequate blood supply during the festive season, early in the month.
Ms Mirja Sasse started donating blood in October 2012, she recently donated for the 14th time at our Tal Street Centre. Her reason for donating is to simply help those in need and because maybe one day a family member or friend might need blood. She also said that she enjoys donating blood. Sasse said, “Namibians should know that we are moving into a difficult time where the blood supply is always low, due to the fact people are not available to donate blood during the festive period” Therefore she wants to encourage and motivate each and everyone, donor and non-donor to make the effort to donate blood before they go on holiday. Zita Tobin of NamBTS said, “A constant supply of blood is needed all year round, and as there are simply not enough available and willing donors during December and beginning of January, we encourage you to donate before you go off and enjoy your summer holiday. In hot weather you need to drink more fluid to keep hydrated so that your body can adjust itself after the donation and stop you from feeling faint. It’s important to replace fluids after you’ve donated to help bring your blood volume levels back to normal”. It is for this reason that, NamBTS and WHO are calling all Namibians to donate blood. Donors should be older than 16 years, weigh more than 50kg, lead a sexually safe lifestyle and enjoy general good health. Donors are encouraged to eat a balanced meal within 3 to 4 hours of attending a clinic.