A LOW number of appointments at the Shepparton Blood Donor Centre over the Easter and ANZAC Day public holidays has prompted the Australian Red Cross Blood Service to launch an Easter blood drive calling on good eggs to come forward and donate.
The Shepparton donor centre still needs over 100 extra donors between April 20 and 27 to bolster supplies for cancer and road trauma patients this Easter.
Locals are encouraged to spare just an hour of their time over the Easter break to help save up to three lives.
Blood Service spokesperson, Doug Allen said that Easter was one of the most challenging times of the year to collect blood.
“The need for blood never takes a break yet we know that donor numbers are traditionally low at Easter,” Doug said.
“A component of blood called platelets has a shelf life of only five days, so it’s important that blood is donated over and immediately after the Easter break.
“Cancer patients in particular rely upon platelets to help them through their chemotherapy treatments.
“That’s why we need 100 Shepparton residents to make an appointment to give blood at the Shepparton Donor Centre.”
To make an appointment to donate, call 13 14 95, visit www.donateblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app from your app store.
