Premier urges Tasmanians to roll up sleeves and give blood during critical Christmas period
Tasmanians have been urged to roll up their sleeves, with almost 2000 extra blood donors needed for the year’s “most critical period”. The difference it could make.
Tasmania
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Tasmanians have been urged to roll up their sleeves, with almost 2000 extra blood donors needed for the year’s “most critical period”.
Red Cross Lifeblood is asking the community to donate blood and plasma over the coming three weeks, particularly between December 22 and January 2, when many regular donors are out of town.
“Lots of our regular donors go away for the holidays. But the need for blood doesn’t actually stop – there are patients in hospitals with an ongoing need, as well as road traumas,” Lifeblood spokesperson Leanne Mangano said.
People with A and O blood types are particularly urged to book in to donate.
As more than 80 per cent of the population has these blood types, they are most in-demand by hospitals.
Ms Mangano said 1900 donors were needed to fill the gaps between now and early in the New Year, and urged anyone aged between 18 and 75 who was feeling well to give blood.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has just given blood at Lifeblood’s Hobart centre, and encouraged others to do the same.
“Donating blood or plasma may not be top of mind as we prepare for the busy holiday period, but there will be many people in our hospitals who will rely on it,” Mr Rockliff said.
“This includes people having surgery, women giving birth, cancer patients having treatment and those involved in serious accidents.”
Ms Mangano said the demand for donations was getting higher each year.
“We have more donors than ever but the demand is actually increasing,” she said.
“There’s been some research about why that is – and population growth is part of it.
Donations can be made at Lifeblood centres in Hobart, Burnie, Devonport, and Launceston.
Anyone who donates before December 31 will receive a special, limited-edition “Australiana”
Christmas-inspired bandage designed by artist Madeleine Stamer.
For more information, via 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.
Originally published as Premier urges Tasmanians to roll up sleeves and give blood during critical Christmas period
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