Geelong local makes 105th blood donation

BLOOD donors across the country have rolled up their sleeves for this year’s National Blood Donor Week, including one of Geelong’s own who reached a milestone donation.

Margaret Kirsten from North Geelong made her 105th donation this week, a ritual she has been participating in since the 1980s.

Inspired by her grandmother who also donated, it was engrained into her from an early age that it was something she should do.

Furthering the personal connection she has to donating blood, Ms Kirsten’s cousin had bone cancer in 2018 and was a recipient of blood products in the past.

“If you are thinking about donating and haven’t done it before, give it a try if you can,” Ms Kirsten said.

“The atmosphere is upbeat at the Geelong donor centre, the nurses are happy and you’re always welcomed like a friend.”

In celebration of the national week, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has permanently replaced its white arm bandages with branded red ones.

The colour change is backed by research, showing that a branded bandage is an effective way to identify blood donors.

Lifeblood acting chief executive officer Cath Stone said it is hoped the new bandages would promote discussions around donation.

“A new blood donor is needed every five minutes in Australia, and that means we need people talking and thinking about blood and plasma donation and encouraging each other to roll up their sleeves.

“We know that branded post-donation bandages are a great way to start conversations and boost awareness about blood donation.”

Demand for blood and blood products is currently sitting at a 12-year high, with Lifeblood needing more than 1.7 million donations each year to meet demand.

This National Blood Donor Week, Lifeblood is celebrating Australia’s 562,000 generous donors and the reasons they chose to give life.

“The comments we receive from donors in our Life is Reason hub about why they donate are incredible, whether it’s in memory of a loved family member or simply to help a complete stranger,” Ms Stone said.

“They illustrate the heartwarming generosity of Australia’s blood and plasma donors and this National Blood Week we want to thank all our donors for the life-saving contributions they make.”

National Blood Donor Week runs until this Sunday, June 15.

To book a donation, phone 13 14 95 or head to lifeblood.com.au