Council appeals for blood donors during busy holiday period

LISMORE City Council is calling on residents to roll up their sleeves and donate blood as hospitals across the region face one of their busiest and most demanding periods of the year.

Donations can be made to Lifeblood Lismore Donor Centre as part of the Christmas Blood Blitz.

It extends into the new year with a limited-edition festive bandage for people who register before Sunday, January 4.

Lismore is among the highest ranked Northern Rivers councils for blood donation and plasma donations.

“The holidays might slow everything else down, but the need for blood never takes a break,” a council spokesperson said.

“While people travel, shop, and lose track of their routines, hospitals face one of their busiest periods.

“Patients going through cancer treatment, trauma care, complex births and chronic illness still rely on blood products every single day.”

“Platelets last only a week and plasma demand stays constant.”

Blood groups O and A are in exceptionally high demand.

Local police officers have already joined the campaign as part of the annual Bleed4Blue blood drive.

The blood drive was established in response to the near fatal stabbing of NSW Police Detective Sergeant John Breda in 2018.

Lifeblood spokesperson Hannah Rayment said with blood demand at a 12-year high and plasma in record demand, donating was a simple thing many of us could do to save a life.

“I want to thank police and their friends and families for supporting Bleed4Blue, and I encourage the community to donate too,” Ms Rayment said.

“Please book a donation and help us keep blood supply levels strong over the holidays to meet the need for patients from all walks of life.”

The Lismore Lifeblood Centre is open six days a week and until 7pm some nights.

To make a donation, call 13 14 95, book online at lifeblood.com.au, or on the Lifeblood app.