Taree Blood Donor Centre is in need of an extra 70 donors across the Easter period, to boost blood supplies for cancer and trauma patients.
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The hunt is on for donors between Monday, March 26 and Wednesday, April 4, with blood donors in short supply before, during and after the holiday.
Blood service spokesperson Jemma Falkenmire said the need for blood doesn’t take a holiday.
“One blood product, platelets, only lasts for five days – not much longer than a hot cross bun – so we need a constant supply.
“Around Easter many regular blood donors are away, which means blood supplies can dip if we don’t have enough good eggs to fill the gap.
“In particular, more donors are needed at Taree Donor Centre Thursday, March 29 and Tuesday, April 3,” Miss Falkenmire said.
Platelets, a vital clotting agent in blood, are needed to treat patients undergoing chemotherapy and to combat life-threatening bleeding from road trauma and other emergency situations.
Miss Falkenmire encouraged new donors to be among those to respond to the call for blood.
“One in three people will need blood in their lifetime, yet currently only one in 30 donates.
“Donating blood has never been easier; donors can now manage their appointments online, track their donation history and even view their health statistics.
“Your lifesaving donation could help someone spend another Easter holiday with family and friends, and all it costs is an hour of time,” Miss Falkenmire said.
To make an appointment, visit www.donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.