By Annette Campbell
Stuck for a really good Christmas gift idea?
How about the chance to save someone’s life? The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is making a special holiday-time plea for us all to take a little time to give some precious blood.
“Many of our regular blood donors take a well-earned holiday,” says Susannah Rands, the ARCBS’s Community Relations Manager. “But the need for blood never takes a break.
“So we need more people to donate to ensure an ongoing and constant supply during this period.
“And if you are already a donor, we’d love it if you could donate before you go away, or find a mobile service in the area you’re going to, and just give up an hour of your holiday to make a donation.”
Susannah explains that while one in 30 Australians regularly donates blood, one in three will need blood or blood products during their lifetime. And every donation can save three lives.
“Blood donations can help treat cancer, burns and even some newborn babies,” she says. “And we’re constantly needing to replenish our supplies, because while whole blood lasts 42 days, one of the most important components, platelets, only last for five days.”
When blood is donated, it’s taken to a processing area and separated into platelets (to help clotting, often used by patients undergoing chemotherapy); plasma (the most versatile component, which can be manufactured into a number of different products, for example to treat immune disorders); and red cells (for treating blood disorders like anaemia).
“Our supplies are constantly being shipped-out to hospitals for life-saving work,” says Susannah. “So as fast as it comes in, it goes out.”
She also adds that the need for blood increases each year, as the population increases.
“So we need more people to come forward and give blood. It’s one of the easiest things to do, to help save someone’s life.”
Did you know?
About 30 percent of blood donated is used for cancer patients.
Australia needs 20,000 donations every week to meet demand.
So how can we help?
You can donate blood either at “fixed-site” Red Cross donor centres, or any of their mobile units.
To find out about locations, opening times and whether you’re eligible, visit: www.donateblood.com.au or phone their national information line to make an appointment to donate on: 13 14 95.
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