Critical need for O-negative Blood Donors

Did you know that one in three people are going to need blood sometime in their lifetime, but only one in thirty people donate?

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service operates a Mobile Donor Centre that travels throughout North Brisbane and the Moreton Bay region, and will be visiting North Lakes on the 19th to the 22nd September. The van will be located outside The Good Guys, on North Lakes Drive.

Community Relations Officer for the Blood Service in North Brisbane, Liam Richardson, said that it’s really important that the Blood Service sees some new donors in September, and encourages everyone in the North Lakes community to consider donating blood. ‘After winter, when the weather is getting warmer, people are generally feeling fitter and healthier, and so are able to make a blood donation. We love to see new donors make their first donation in September, and then look to make their second in December, in the lead up to Christmas. This helps us ensure that we have enough blood stocks required for the 25 000 patients a week across Australia, who need a blood donation.’

It really is a simple process, and the actual taking of the blood only takes between five and ten minutes.  A lot of people use the time to relax, maybe think about what you might want to do on your next holiday, or catch up on social media. All the while you are saving three lives!’

All blood types are needed by the Blood Service, but it is particularly important to donate if you have O negative blood. People with O- blood are known as the universal donor, and their blood can be given to anyone in an emergency.

If you are keen to donate, but can’t make it to the Mobile Donor Centre on those days, there is also a permanent donor centre located just 15 minutes down the road, in Strathpine. The Strathpine Donor centre is located at 349 Gympie Road, Strathpine, and is open 6 days a week, including Saturdays. The centre is open early mornings on Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays, and late nights on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

If you are interested in donating, or would like more information, you can visit donateblood.com.au, or phone 13 14 95.

If you run a business, or would like to donate as part of a community or church group, the Blood Service runs a group donation program called Red25. For more information on Red25, please call Liam Richardson on 3481 5908, or email lrichardson@redcrossblood.org.au