People across Greater Geelong are being asked to roll up their sleeves and donate blood with more supplies needed across the state.
Lifeblood Geelong Donor Centre has appealed for blood and plasma donations throughout National Blood Donor Week, which will run from Monday, June 9, to Sunday, June 15.
The week centres around World Blood Donor Day on June 14, with 3500 donations needed from across the state to meet the growing demand for O-type blood.
Lifeblood Strategy and Growth executive director Stuart Chesneau said the need for “blood does not stop”.
“We need people of all blood types to donate every day, especially O type… and an hour of your time might give someone the rest of their life,” he said.
“If you’ve never donated before and don’t know your blood type, coming in to donate is a great way to find out, and you get the chance to save a life.”
The Alfred Hospital Emergency Services deputy director Dr Rohan Laging said hospitals were “dependent on blood to keep patients alive”.
“A blood transfusion has an immediate effect. It helps patients breathe. It helps their blood pressure and vital functions,” he said.
“O-plus and O-negative are the blood types most frequently needed because they can be used in emergency situations when a patient’s blood type is unknown.”
Visit lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95 to book a blood or plasma donation.
