Eastern suburbs residents have a lot to be proud of after smashing a local record twice in two days following Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s recent urgent appeal for blood and plasma donations.
On 7 January, a record 180 people donated at Lifeblood’s Ringwood Donor Centre and 188 donated the very next day.
The record donations came at an important time to boost low blood stocks as 20,000 appointments were cancelled, rescheduled, or unattended at the end of December 2024.
Lifeblood spokesperson Ashleigh Hales said the team was blown away by the response and are so thankful to all the donors who gave blood and plasma.
“Each donation can save up to three lives, so as many as 1100 lives were saved by local donations in just two days,” Ashleigh said.
“While this is a terrific way to start the New Year, the need for blood never stops.
“We can’t stockpile blood, so we’d love to see people rebook for their next appointment, especially with the 26 January long weekend coming up.”
There is an increased demand for blood and plasma in Australia largely due to a growing and aging population.
Every day, 9500 blood products and plasma-derived medications are issued nationwide to help cancer patients, women giving birth, people with blood disorders, people in surgery and more.
One in three people will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, but only one in 30 currently donates.
A blood donation appointment takes one hour, with the donation itself only lasting up to 10 minutes and can be made every three months. A plasma donation takes an hour and a half, with 40 minutes in the donor chair, and can be made every fortnight.
“Most plasma donors in Australia donate between two-three times per year and we want to set a challenge for them to give five times in 2025,” Ashleigh added.
“I also urge people in Ringwood and surrounding suburbs, who have not donated before, to roll up their sleeve if they can and make a life changing difference.”
Lifeblood’s Ringwood Donor Centre is open Monday- Friday 7am-8pm; Saturday 7am-5pm; Sunday 7am-4pm, and is located at 4/38 Charter St, Ringwood VIC 3134. To book a donation, call 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.
