Mobile blood donor centre returns to Torquay

THE Australian Red Cross Lifeblood mobile donor centre returns to Torquay in January for the first time in ten years.

The mobile blood truck will be in the Bunnings Warehouse carpark from Monday 15 January – Friday 19 January 2024.

Lifeblood spokesperson Stephanie Reynolds said donating blood is a kind and generous thing to do, and each donation can save up to three lives.

“One blood donation is needed every 18 seconds in Australia, and I am pleased people in Torquay will have the opportunity to donate closer to home,” Ms Reynolds said.

 

“We recognise Torquay has a growing population and we are eager to make blood donation as convenient and easy as possible.

“This visit is a trial, but if it is successful, we will return.”

The Torquay push comes at a time when demand for blood is the highest it has been in a decade.

According to Red Cross Lifeblood one in three people in Australia will need blood or blood products in their lifetime.

This includes people in surgery, people with blood disorders, cancer treatment, trauma patients and women having babies. The need for blood does not stop.

A blood donation appointment takes around an hour, with the donation itself lasting just 5-10 minutes.

“There are 190 appointments available. I encourage you to book now because they are likely to fill fast,” Ms Reynolds said.

“And if you are out of town during January’s mobile unit visit, the Geelong Blood Donor Centre is another option. It’s open seven days a week.”

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