Nationwide callout made for blood and plasma

AUSTRALIAN Red Cross Lifeblood is urging the Greater Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast communities to consider giving blood as it pushs to reach 100,000 blood and plasma donors as part of its new campaign.

More than 560,000 active donors currently give blood and plasma supply regularly, however Australian Red Cross is on the lookout for new donors as the country continues to grow.

Lifeblood’s executive director of donor experience Cath Stone said a new blood donor is needed every four minutes in Australia to prevent a donor shortage.

“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,” Ms Stone said.

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

“It might be for a family member battling cancer, to give a patient more time with their family, or it might simply be for the free party pies or the warm fuzzy feeling you get from helping save a stranger’s life.”

Pushing the mission are high-profile Aussies comedian Dave Hughes and AFL premiership player Ben Brown and his wife Hester

“I’m O negative, so am a universal donor. It’s great to know everyone can use my blood,” Mr Hughes said.

“It’s an easy, fun experience and the joy really is in the giving. I visit as often as I can.”

Ben’s cousin Grace relies on blood and plasma to survive and is the inspiration behind Ben and Hester’s commitment to blood donations.

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

“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.”

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood states overall blood demand has increased by 10 per cent since 2020, and demand for plasma is at an all-time high on a world scale.

Locals and Australians can visit lifeblood.com.au/life-is-the-reason and share their reason for donating blood or plasma.