Athlete Sam Stedman’s first plasma donation to Red Cross

Townsville needs 25 plasma donations each day for the next fortnight. Learn how you help.

Businessman Sam Stedman donates plasma for the first time at Townsville's Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. Photo: Chris Burns

Adventure athlete Sam Stedman is among North Queensland residents that have rolled up their sleeves in response to a national call-out for more plasma.

The small business owner and athlete donated for the first time on Tuesday afternoon after hearing an appeal on the radio.

“It’s been on the list for a long time but we work away a lot,” Mr Stedman said.

“Small business keeps me busy but I happened to have availability.

“I guess we’ve got to give back whenever we can.”

Mr Stedman said donating did not hurt but that there were a lot of requirements and “boxes to tick” before he was able to do so, and that being fit and healthy had helped his eligibility.

“So obviously being an eligible person gives you the opportunity to help,” he said.

The Red Cross Lifeblood Donation Facility at the Townsville University Hospital does not take blood donations, focusing instead on plasma since it opened in 2017.

Lifeblood spokeswoman Belinda Smetioukh said Townsville was chosen to be the nation’s first plasma donation centre six years ago because of the high amount of plasma donations given previously.

She said the goal in the next two weeks was to collect 25 donations each day.

“Plasma donations are absolutely vital, with Australia’s demand for plasma growing each year due to medical advancements and an ageing population,” Ms Smetioukh said.

“The needs of patients drives everything we do, and the Townsville Donor Centre is leading the way, helping Australia to meet the growing demand for plasma.”

You can make a booking to donate plasma online, by calling 13 14 95 or on the Donate Blood app.

Originally published as Athlete Sam Stedman’s first plasma donation to Red Cross