The Werribee blood donor centre is calling on Wyndham residents to roll up their sleeves and give blood to combat a seasonal donor shortage.
Australian Red Cross Blood Service spokesman Colin Littlejohn said flu season often resulted in a drop in donations and
the centre was already low on O negative and
A negative donations.
The centre is also keen to boost its plasma donations.
“Winter is always a difficult time for blood donations because you need to be feeling
100 per cent well to donate,” Mr Littlejohn said.
“Patients fighting cancer, infections and blood diseases are relying on donated blood to keep them healthy throughout winter.”
To help combat the seasonal drop in donors, the blood service has recruited staff and volunteers from emergency services to donate blood and help boost stocks.
Point Cook airforce cadets volunteer Martin Difesa was at the Werribee centre last week to donate blood and plasma.
The 44-year-old Hoppers Crossing resident began donating in 1992 and since stopping
for about a decade he has been regularly
giving both plasma and blood for the past
three years.
“It completely escaped my mind for many years, but I’ve got a few family members who have had medical procedures and I started [donating again],” Mr Difesa said.
The Werribee centre, in Bridge Street, is open every day but Saturday.
To make an appointment, call 13 95 96 or visit www.donateblood.com.au
