Red Cross makes final appeal for blood donors for this summer

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urging South West residents to give blood to help ease demand from patients during the critical holiday period.

Lifeblood spokesperson Jessica Willet said the number of donors fell significantly during the holiday season as regular donors took a break.

“That’s why we launch our annual Blood Blitz in the lead up to Christmas every year, to remind donors that the need for blood doesn’t stop and boost blood stocks to prevent a blood shortage,” she said.

“We’ve had an incredible response to our Christmas appeal for blood donors from South West residents, with 335 people donating blood and plasma in Bunbury since we appealed for donors last week.

“Bunbury is almost fully booked in the coming week, but we would love to see a few more donors for this coming Friday (January 5).”

Every week the Red Cross needs 220 people to donate blood or plasma at the Bunbury Donor Centre to meet patient demand.

It is vital for cancer patients in hospitals needing platelets to support chemotherapy, pregnant women and new-born babies who will need blood during and after childbirth, and trauma patients who will need blood, plasma and platelets to save their life.

Lifeblood executive director of donor experience Cath Stone said people had rallied nationally to donate blood and plasma over the festive season and support patients who relied on blood products.

“Donating blood takes about an hour but it’s a gift that will make a real difference to a patient’s life,” she said.

To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au, or download the free Donate Blood app.