Ipswich City Council employees have helped save more than 200 lives in the Red Cross Local Government Blood Challenge

The Red Cross says demand for blood donations is at a 10-year high and they are calling on local government employees across the country to help.

Ipswich City Council is leading the way in the Red Cross blood donation challenge.

Ipswich City Council is showing other local government organisations how it’s done in this year’s Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Local Government Blood Challenge.

Running until September 30, the challenge encourages councils, directorates and shires around the country to compete to save the most lives through blood and plasma donations.

More than 305 organisations are taking part in 2021 and it couldn’t be a better time, with demand for blood at its highest level in more than a decade.

Employees throughout Ipswich City Council have so far saved over 200 lives through their donations, ranking them eighth in the country and third in the State, at just over halfway through the challenge.

Mayor Teresa Harding thanked council employees for giving the most precious gift.

“Generosity, resilience and stepping up in a time of need: time and again our residents have shown what makes the Ipswich community spirit so special,” Ms Harding said.

“It’s fantastic to see council employees leading by example and considering the one in three Australians requiring blood products during their lifetime.”

Blood Service spokeswoman Sandee Thompson said Ipswich City Council staff involved in the Lifeblood Teams program were to be congratulated.

“One in three Australians will need blood or blood products at some time in their life, and blood is needed somewhere in Australia every 24 seconds, so it just goes to show how important these blood and plasma donations are,” she said.

To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the free Donate Blood app.