With 2012 drawing to an end, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) often experiences critical shortages.

“We are grateful to the many who always heed to our appeal for blood but often crises are inevitable if donors are not available to donate,” says Vanessa Raju, communications manager at SANBS.

“These crises often occur due to fewer Group O blood collections. Group O blood is known as the universal donor and can be given to patients of any other blood group, making it the most sought-after blood type,” added Raju.

To help out and become a blood donor, a person must be between the ages of 16 and 65, weigh more than 50kg, be healthy, lead a sexually safe lifestyle and consider their blood to be safe for patient transfusion.

For more information, the SANBS call centre can be contacted on 0800 11 9031 or people can pop in for a visit at the local branch in Erasmus Street in Makhado (Louis Trichardt).