Without blood donors the world would indeed be a sadder place. Lives lost due to senseless and unavoidable accidents and diseases but where there might have been a fighting chance if there was some blood to go around.

Blood circulation was discovered way back in 1628 and the first successful transfusion was done with dogs some 37 years later. It took another 150 years however before the first successful human blood transfusion was done in 1818.

The first three blood groups, A, B and O were discovered in 1900 and the fourth, AB, added in 1902. We are now able to match blood between donor and recipient. The advances in blood donation and testing grow in leaps in bounds over the next 100 years or so and brings us to today where, generally, if you need blood after an injury, operation or accident, you get it.

But those supplies are not unlimited. South Africa is very fortunate to have a wonderful blood bank who beg and plead and nag all of us to donate but are often in desperate shortage situations.

With World Blood Donor Day today, the 14th of June 2017, it is each and every South African (and also every other country’s citizens) duty to go and donate blood. The SANBS have monthly and quarterly mobile donor trucks and generally there should be one near you.

Blood donation takes about 20 to 30 minutes of your time every 56 days.  It requires you to be between the age of 16 and 65, weigh over 50kgs, be in good general health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle.  It does not cause you any bodily harm, since only 475ml’s of blood is taken, which is replaced within 24 hours.

In the words of the World Health Organisation – “Don’t wait until disaster strikes. Give blood. Give now. Give often.”

Visit the South African National Blood Service to find out where you can donate! http://www.sanbs.org.za/index.php/where-can-i-donate