To coincide with the 80th anniversary of blood collection services in Australia, the Federal Government has designated 2009 the Year of the Blood Donor.
This week is National Blood Donor Week, an opportunity to showcase and recognise the Millions of special donors all over the world and hear from the people whose lives are transformed by their generosity.
Did you know?
• One in three Australians will need blood at some stage during their lifetime – but only one in 30 currently give it
• Australia needs 21,000 blood donations per week to ensure there are adequate supplies for those people who need it
• Giving blood takes only one hour of your time and it can help save the lives of three people
• A donation of 470 ml of blood is less than 10% of your total blood volume
• Your body keeps discarding and replenishing blood all the time whether you give blood or not – so you may as well put that ‘spare’ blood to good use and help save up to three lives as you do it
I went along to give blood for the first time today! It is something I have wanted to do for awhile, but I guess like so many things in our busy lives I just never seemed to get around to it. I myself received quite a few blood transfusion after the birth of my last child, so I know how important they can be.
If you need a reason to dontae, take the time to read Ivy’s special story and how just an hour of your time can change her life, and the lives of so many others.
Please visit the Australian Red Cross Blood service to see if you are suitable to be a Blood donor and find your nearest Donor Centre.
