By Aaron Cordy
LIFEBLOOD’S Shepparton Donor Centre has welcomed 59 new blood and plasma donors in the last 12 months since the mad cow ban was lifted. Lifeblood regularly reviews eligibility rules to ensure as many people as possible can give blood, without compromising safety.
This allowed local Melanie Stewart to embrace her new eligibility by donating blood/plasma 11 times since the lift.
“I do it because mum had cancer. She had to have blood twice, so I do it for that… And if you’re able to do it (donate), I don’t see why not,” said Ms Stewart.
Lifeblood spokesperson Shae Burns has thanked Mel and everyone who had been impacted by this rule for their donations, which now accounts for nearly one in ten donations in Australia.
“All up more than 123,000 donations have been made over the past 12 months by people who lived in the United Kingdom between 1980 and 1996, which is a fantastic result,” said Ms Burns.
“However, the reality is that with demand at its highest in a decade, we still need more donors to boost supplies and there are still more than 800,000 people who may have become eligible because of this rule change.”
Given rules do change, Shae Burns added, “It’s likely many people don’t realise they are now eligible to donate blood and plasma.”
To check your eligibility and book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.
