Blood blitz to avoid shortage

Published 1:00pm 23 December 2020

Residents across the Moreton Bay Region have been given an added incentive by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to boost blood stocks during Christmas and New Year.

It is two gifts in one. Donors, who make a gift of life-saving blood, will receive a gift card themselves which can be used to gift their donation to someone else.

With many donors expected to travel and back-to-back long weekends coming up, Lifeblood is asking residents to factor a blood donation into their plans this festive season.

“It can be a challenging time for blood supplies – as the need for blood doesn’t stop over the holiday period,” Lifeblood Spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh says.

Mobile centre

The Strathpine donor centre open Monday – Saturday and a mobile donor centre that travels the region will be at the following locations:

Morayfield - Morayfield Tavern, Morayfield Rd, December 22, 23, 24 and 26
Redcliffe - 31 Portwood St, December 28 and 29
Rothwell - Bunnings, Anzac Ave, December 30 and 31
Bribie Island - Bribie Is Shopping Centre, Goodwin Dr, January 2, 4, 5, and 6

Despite donors responding to a call out in record numbers last month, the need for short-lived platelets is constant.

“Platelets only last for five days so we’re unable to stockpile them ahead of long weekends or busy periods,” Ms Smetioukh said.

“Adding to the challenge is the fact that it takes blood donations from four people to make just one dose of platelets used to help cancer patients recover from their intensive treatments.”

Timing critical

Those involved in road accidents, undergoing surgery, and women experiencing complications during childbirth will also be relying on blood donations to help them make it through.

“Timing is critical and the period between December 26 and January 2 is when platelet stocks are most under pressure,” Ms Smetioukh said.

“Donating blood or plasma is one of the most powerful gifts you can give. For some it may give them more time with loved ones or improve their quality of life; for others, it could quite literally save their life.”