ABOUT 70 additional people are needed to donate blood or plasma in Shepparton over the next two weeks including on the Labour Day public holiday, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is reminding people the need for blood is ongoing even with a day off from work.
“Donated blood can’t be stockpiled. Some blood products have a shelf life of just five days, which means we need regular donations throughout the long weekend for patients in hospitals,” Lifeblood spokesperson, Erin Lagoudakis said.
“Even those planning a staycation or trip away can help save lives by planning ahead and booking a donation before or after their holiday.”
Ms Lagoudakis said fewer collection days and peak demand make long weekends a challenge for blood stocks, particularly when just three percent of the population donates blood. On average, the Shepparton Donor Centre needs to collect around 250 donations each week, but this figure can vary based on patient demands.
About nine million Australians may be eligible to donate blood but only 500,000 people do. That means there are about 8.5 million Australians who may be able to donate, but don’t.
To book a blood or plasma donation visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the Donate Blood app.
