The Red Cross’ mobile blood drive unit will visit Wellington during October looking for volunteers willing to donate blood.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Red Cross’ Community Relations Officer John Feist said one out of every three Australians will require a blood transfusion in their lifetime, but only one in 30 Australians donate blood.
“Without people donating blood regularly we won’t meet the demand for blood from patients in our hospitals,” Mr Feist said.
“Donating blood involves approximately one hour of your time and your donation can help to save three lives.”
Donating blood is a very small sacrifice on the part of the donor but it really can make a huge difference in the lives of the patients and their families.
- John Feist, Community Relations Officer
Scheduled to appear on Wednesday October 17 from 9.45am to 3pm, the mobile blood donation unit will be situated on Swift Street, in the rear car-park of Coles.
While the Red Cross are always in need of all blood types, Mr Feist highlighted the need for O-negative blood.
“This is the universal blood type and can be transfused into anyone so is critically important in emergency situations where the patient’s blood type is unknown, only nine percent of the population has O-negative blood so anyone with that blood type is always needed,” Mr Feist said.
Earlier this year an emergency call was put out for new donors following a fall in O-negative stock.
Blood donations are also invaluable for sufferers of serious illness such as cancer.
“Thirty-four per cent of donated blood is used to treat cancer patients, most people know someone who has been affected by cancer and without donated blood those people would not have been able to undergo their treatment,” Mr Feist said.
People who are looking to donate can check their eligibility online with a simple quiz at the Red Cross’ website at www.donateblood.com.au
Appointments can be arranged by calling the Red Cross on 131 495 or online.
