ARARAT locals have embraced the opportunity to give blood, with more than 100 people rolling up a sleeve to donate at Lifeblood’s mobile donor centre last week.
The centre visited Ararat for four days from Thursday 26 September-Sunday 29 September, with appointments booked out in advance.
Lifeblood Executive Director Donor Experience Cath Stone said this was a great response to the beginning of the trial.
“We see the best in people. The Lifeblood team was warmly welcomed and there was a real buzz that accompanied this visit,” Cath said.
“It was wonderful to provide this opportunity for the community to donate close to home. 110 donations were collected all up.
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“We are truly grateful for all of the generous donations, particularly at a time when patient demand for blood is high and is showing now sign of slowing.”
One blood donation is needed every 18 seconds in Australia. Cancer treatment, emergency surgery, road trauma and bleeding during childbirth are some of the most common uses for donated blood.
Each blood donation saves up to three lives, therefore up to 330 lives were saved on this visit to Ararat alone. It was also encouraging to see 58 people donate for the first time.
Appointments are now open for the next visit to Ararat from Monday December 30 to Saturday January 4. This is an important time of year to boost blood stocks because many regular donors take a holiday over summer.
“We are looking forward to coming back and encourage locals to book now,” Cath added.
“And remember, if you need to cancel an appointment, please give us plenty of notice so that it can be filled by someone else.”
Lifeblood’s mobile blood donor centre will be located at Ararat RSL, 74-76 High Street Ararat from December 30 to January 4.
To book a donation, call 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.
Lifeblood mobile donor centre opening hours:
Monday 30 December 12 pm – 5:30 pm
Tuesday 31 December 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday 2 January 12 pm – 5:30 pm
Friday 3 January 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday 4 January 8:30 am – 11:30 am