Territorians invited to donate blood, plasma for the 2025 Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive

First responders from across the Top End have donated blood and plasma, with hopes of inspiring others to do the same.

Amy Steel, Kristina Riley, Colleen Bremner Acting Commissioner, Wayne Snell, Michelle Hand, Christie Cann and front Stephen Sewell AFSM Chief Fire Officer as a number of first responders from the Northern Territory gathered at the Lifeblood Donor Centre in Casuarina on June 26, 2025, to raise as much blood and plasma as possible. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Rebecca Henshaw’s mother would not be alive without a blood donor.

During her birth her mother was given an urgent, lifesaving blood transfusion moments after giving birth to her.

“If it wasn’t for the blood transfusion, (Mum) wouldn’t be here,” Ms Henshaw said.

Now Ms Henshaw works as a clinical director at the Royal Flying Doctor Service, where she is constantly exposed to the impact of blood transfusions.

“It saves lives … It can improve people’s quality of life,” she said.

Megan Anderson and Rebecca Henshaw. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

On Thursday, first responders from across the Top End, such as Ms Henshaw, gathered at the Lifeblood Donor Centre to launch the 2025 Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive.

The annual blood drive brings together representatives – ranging from recruits to commissioners – from NT Police, NT Fire and Emergency Services, St John NT, Royal Flying Doctor Service and more.

The three-month campaign — which runs from June 1 to August 31 — aims to provide a boost to blood and plasma stocks during the change of season, when many regular donors cancel or reschedule donations nationally because of the cold and flu.

First responders from the Northern Territory gathered at the Lifeblood Donor Centre in Casuarina on June 26, 2025, to raise as much blood and plasma as possible. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

After garnering 118 donations last year, Lifeblood has aimed higher and hopes it can reach 140 donors for 2025.

“We rely on the generosity of donors to help people undergoing cancer treatment, living with blood disorders, women giving birth, people who’ve been involved in accidents, surgery patients and more,” Lifeblood relationship manager Zoe Ross said.

NT Police Assistant Commissioner Janelle Tonkin, who says she has not donated blood in about 10 years, hoped to get “as many donations as possible”.

“As frontline emergency services workers, we go to lots and lots of tragedies, and we perhaps more than anyone understand how vital and important it is to have sufficient blood supplies,” she said.

Janelle Tonkin Acting Commissioner. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“It’s a fabulous opportunity for us to be able to come and do this today; I encourage everyone from front line and community alike to donate blood.”

A blood appointment takes about an hour, with the donation itself only lasting up to 10 minutes, and blood can be donated every three months.

A plasma appointment takes about 90 minutes, with 40 minutes in the donor chair, and donations of plasma can be made every fortnight.

To make a donation, call 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App.

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Stephen Sewell AFSM Chief Fire Officer and Andrew Thomas Director of Ambulance as a number of first responders from the Northern Territory gathered at the Lifeblood Donor Centre in Casuarina on June 26, 2025, to raise as much blood and plasma as possible. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First responders from the Northern Territory gathered at the Lifeblood Donor Centre in Casuarina on June 26, 2025, to raise as much blood and plasma as possible. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Janelle Tonkin Acting Commissioner NT Police, Colleen Bremner Acting Commissioner and Stephen Sewell AFSM Chief Fire Officer as a number of first responders from the Northern Territory gathered at the Lifeblood Donor Centre in Casuarina on June 26, 2025, to raise as much blood and plasma as possible. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

First responders from the Northern Territory gathered at the Lifeblood Donor Centre in Casuarina on June 26, 2025, to raise as much blood and plasma as possible. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Janelle Tonkin and Travis Wurst as a number of first responders from the Northern Territory gathered at the Lifeblood Donor Centre in Casuarina on June 26, 2025, to raise as much blood and plasma as possible. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Originally published as Territorians invited to donate blood, plasma for the 2025 Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive