Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today issued a challenge to emergency service workers across rural and regional Victoria to make a vital life-saving blood donation this winter.
Ms Thomas today joined Victorian emergency service workers at the Melbourne CBD Blood Donor Centre to donate blood and launch the 2016 Emergency Services Challenge.
The challenge aims to boost blood stocks for the winter cold and flu season.
Winter generally sees a drop-off in donors, however, the demand for blood does not stop. The Red Cross Blood Service needs around 25,000 blood donations every single week in Australia.
The Queen’s Birthday long weekend is a particular concern every year, where nearly 2,000 donations are needed across Victoria.
As part of the challenge, every year emergency service workers such as police, fire fighters, paramedics and SES volunteers compete by state to donate the most blood. Last year, they made 7,189 donations.
Every blood donation can save up to three lives. It is estimated that one in three Australians will need blood in their lifetime. About one in 30 people in Australia donate blood.
The National Blood Authority manages the national blood supply to ensure hospitals have access to blood and blood products needed for patient care.
The Andrews Labor Government will deliver $100 million to the authority in 2016/17 so it can carry out this life-saving work.
All Victorians are encourage to follow the lead of emergency service workers and donate blood by calling the Red Cross Blood Service on 13 14 95 to make an appointment or visit
Quotes attributable to the Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“The need for life saving blood donations never stops – and in winter it’s even more important for us all to roll up our sleeves.”
“I rolled up my sleeve today, and now my challenge is to our hundreds of paramedics, police, fire fighters and SES workers across rural and regional Victoria to brave the cold and give blood this winter.”
“Some of Victoria’s sickest patients fighting diseases such as cancer and infections are relying on our generosity to stay healthy and survive.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020