AS Australia prepares to mark National Blood Donor Week from June 9 to 15, the Ipswich Donor Centre is making an urgent appeal to the local community.
With demand for blood and plasma on the rise, the centre needs an additional 968 donations throughout June – including 284 blood donors and 684 plasma donors – to help support hospitals and patients across the state.
The weekly breakdown of required appointments highlights the growing shortfall.
For the week commencing June 2, the centre is calling for 48 blood and 111 plasma donations.
The week of June 9 – which falls during National Blood Donor Week – has 64 blood and 160 plasma donation slots still to be filled.
As June progresses, the need becomes even more critical, with 89 blood and 194 plasma donations required in the week of June 16, and 83 blood and 219 plasma donors sought during the week starting June 23.
National Blood Donor Week is held each year to thank Australia’s generous donors and encourage more people to get involved. In Australia, a blood donation is needed every 18 seconds, underlining just how vital donor participation is.
The Ipswich Donor Centre, located at Level 1 of the Riverlink Medical Centre, is one of the region’s primary collection points for blood and plasma.
Plasma, in particular, is used in the treatment of cancer, burns, immune disorders and trauma.
With flu season affecting donor availability, and regular appointments dropping due to holidays and winter illnesses, Lifeblood is urging healthy individuals to step up and donate.
Each blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives, and plasma donations are increasingly important in modern medicine.
Donors can book an appointment by visiting lifeblood.com.au, calling 13 14 95, or walking in to speak with staff at the Ipswich centre.
“If you’ve ever considered donating, now is the time,” said a Lifeblood spokesperson.
“Your donation could help save a life, or even three.”
