The new $1 million Traralgon Blood Donor Centre, located in the heart of Traralgon has been officially opened, with the Australian Red Cross Blood Service calling for locals to roll up their sleeves between Christmas and New Years.
The Latrobe region needs nearly 300 donors to give blood between Christmas and New Years to secure blood stocks for cancer patients over the festive season.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is concerned that most locals will take a five day weekend this Christmas leading to a major drop in blood stocks.
The Blood Service will run a Blood Blitz in the lead-up to Christmas to raise awareness of the critical need for blood this festive season.
The campaign will run throughout December with local residents able to respond to the call at any time by making an appointment to give blood.
Spokesman Shaun Inguanzo said that platelets were vital to the treatment of cancer patients but only had a shelf life of five days.
“This means anything collected on the Friday before the Christmas long weekend will either expire or be depleted by Boxing Day,” he said.
“We know Christmas is an important time for Latrobe residents to spend with family and friends, but spare a thought for the many Australians who have a loved one in hospital and in need of blood, with the hope of spending another Christmas together.
“For them, the perfect Christmas gift would be blood; the gift of life.
“With two public holidays and a weekend, it is vital that local donors make an appointment to give blood for Christmas Eve and the days immediately after Boxing Day to help replenish platelet stocks.
“Every donation helps to save as many as three lives, and Christmas is the perfect time to give back to the community.”
The Traralgon Blood Donor Centre will be open between Christmas and New years on:
Monday 24 December: 8:30am – 1:00pm
Wednesday 26 December: 12:30pm – 5:30pm
Thursday 27 December: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Friday 28 December: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Monday 31 December: 8:30am – 1:00pm
To make an appointment call 13 14 95 or click here.
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