Australians are being urged to give blood in the days immediately following the Melbourne Cup with supplies expected to take a hit as the whole nation stops to witness the race.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is concerned that stocks of platelets used to treat cancer patients will take the biggest hit as the result of fewer donations nationally and a Victorian long weekend.
Blood Service spokesman Shaun Inguanzo said platelets only had a shelf life of five days and were needed to help treat cancer patients.
“The Melbourne Cup is the race that stops the nation, but it shouldn’t be the race that stops donation,” he said.
“Given their short shelf life, we know that any platelets collected up until last Friday will have expired by Wednesday.
“Platelets are vital to helping cancer patients survive chemotherapy, so we need more people to roll up their sleeves and give blood on the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and following week to help us replenish our stocks and continue saving lives.”
Mr Inguanzo said the life you help save could one day be yours or that of a close friend or family member.
“One in three of us will need blood in our lifetime, yet only one in 30 actually donates. Giving blood only takes an hour of your time and every donation helps to save three lives” he said.
Make an appointment online or call 13 14 95.
For images or further information please contact:
Kathy Bowlen, National Media Manager, Australian Red Cross Blood Service
M: 0447 448 338
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