General News
19 September, 2024
Save a life this spring
Horsham residents are being encouraged to donate blood and save a life this spring, as ongoing demand for blood products continues to grow.
According to Australia Red Cross' Lifeblood, around 33,000 donations are needed every week to meet demand across Victoria - a state which boasts some of the countries most generous donors.
Over 7000 Victorians have made more than 100 blood donations each - a number which tops any other in the country.
Blood provided by donors is used in a range of treatments for patients receiving surgery, battling cancer, or giving birth, as well as those fighting blood disorders or with traumatic injuries.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the act of donating blood can literally save a life, and that for those able to donate, there are few better ways to spend your time.
“Demand for donated blood remains at historically high levels," she said.
"A donation is needed once every 18 seconds to meet current needs."
Lifeblood Donor Experience executive director Cath Stone said one in three people will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, and that every donation could be the lifeline someone desperately needs in order to return to their loved ones.
A mobile donor centre will be open on Baker Street, adjacent to City Oval, Horsham, on Monday, September 23 from 2.45pm to 6pm, Tuesday, September 24 from 12.30pm to 7.30pm and Wednesday, September 25 from 12.30pm to 6.30pm.
Appointments can be made online by visiting https://www.lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre/vic/horsham-mobile-donor-centre
Not everyone can donate blood, but do you know if you can?
Take an eligibility quiz before making an appointment by visiting www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/eligibility/start-quiz, or call 13 14 95 to chat about your circumstances.
Did you pass the online test? Great! Here's what to expect when donating:
Once you arrive at your appointment, before you roll up your sleeve, you'll have to answer a few general questions based around your general health and medication, gender and sexuality, family history and any overseas travels.
Then you will have blood pressure and haemoglobin tests done to ensure you are fit and healthy.
Once all the boxes are ticked, it is time to recline and relax in a comfortable chair while your blood is taken.
The duration of the actual procedure varies from person to person, but can take as little as five minutes
And then it's time for a tasty treat!
After your donation, you can select from a range of drinks and snacks to boost your energy levels while you sit and recover for a few minutes under the watchful eye of the staff.
And then you can go, just like that - in an hour or less, you have made a lifesaving contribution to your community!