EASTER MONDAY Blood Donors Needed

1000 donations still needed


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The Blood Service has issued a second appeal to Australians to give blood this Easter long weekend, with 1000 donations still needed to prevent a shortage.

Blood Service spokesperson Erin Lagoudakis said, “We’re appealing to Australians to cure their Monday-itis by donating blood this Easter Monday (2 April).

“We all know that Monday morning feeling, but we can’t think of a better way to cure Monday-itis than to start your week knowing you have just saved three lives,” she said.

Despite many regular donors taking a well-earned break over Easter, the need for blood doesn’t stop, with 600 donors needed on Easter Monday alone.  

Of critical importance is a blood component called platelets.

“Platelets are the clotting agent of blood - vital in the treatment of many cancers and to combat life-threatening bleeding from road trauma and in other emergency situations,” Ms Lagoudakis said.

“Unfortunately platelets have a shelf-life of just five days which means we can’t stockpile them ahead of a long weekend and need continuous donations during this time to meet demand.

“Cancer patients use more than 30% of donated blood products, while emergency trauma patients, including road accident victims, can use high volumes of blood quickly – anywhere from two to 50 or more units depending on their injuries.

“To ensure these patients get their treatments this Easter, we are asking those who can to give up an hour of their time this long weekend to donate blood,” she said.

Be life, the universe and everything to Australian patients this Easter. To make an appointment to give blood call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au

Blood donors can also book and track their appointments online, view their health statistics and donation history, and much more.  


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30 March 2018




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