Geelong’s Australian Red Cross Blood Service has appealed for donors to book in and help boost blood stocks.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s Geelong Donor Centre has been one of the state’s most poorly booked centres through November so far, with 200 bookings needing to be filled over the next fortnight to ensure stocks can meet the needs of patients.
Lifeblood spokesperson Emily Granland said with demand for blood and blood products at its highest in a decade, it was crucial appointments at the Geelong donor centre were fully booked every week.
“Every week we need 33,000 people to donate blood across Australia to ensure we’re able to fill hospital orders and keep our fridges well stocked for those patients that rely on lifegiving donations,” Ms Granland said.
“If you are feeling healthy and well, I encourage you to step up and fill those appointments, if you can, because the need for blood does not stop.”
Each donation of blood or plasma can save up to three lives, with cancer treatment, emergency surgery, road trauma and bleeding during childbirth some of the more common uses for donated blood.
Ms Granland appealed to the generosity of the people of Geelong, saying appointment bookings were too low.
“If you’ve given blood before, be a local legend and spread the word with your friends, family, and neighbours about how they can help to make a difference,” she said.
“We love to see our regular donors come back and are always excited to welcome first-timers as well.”
To book a donation visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or use the DonateBlood app.
