Call out for blood and plasma donors

WITH demands for blood and plasma at record levels, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is calling for people to become donors.

The organisation is urging 100,000 people, the same number who filled the MCG for last weekend’s AFL grand final, to donate blood or plasma for the first time.

“We know 100,000 people will show up if they have a compelling reason to do so, like cheering on their team at the MCG,” said Lifeblood’s executive director of donor experience, Cath Stone.

“We’re calling on 100,000 people to find their reason to show up to donate blood and plasma.”

Demand for blood is at a 12-year high and plasma demand is sitting at record levels, with around 560,000 active donors maintaining the supply for a population of almost 27 million people.

A new blood donor is needed in Australia every four minutes, and ambassadors comedian

Dave Hughes, AFL premiership player Ben Brown, and his wife Hester Brown are calling on the community to find a reason

to donate.

Brown’s cousin Grace has relied on donations to live.

“Grace has survived leukaemia twice, but her body is no longer capable of fighting infections or illnesses on its own,” said Brown.

“Grace requires blood products weekly for the rest of her life, so we want to encourage others to be brave like her and roll up their sleeves to donate at Lifeblood.

“They can help Grace and others like her who need life-saving blood, plasma or platelet donations to survive.”

To make a donation, call 13 14 95, book online at lifeblood.com.au.