Bloody good donors

ONCE again Swan Hill locals have answered the call and rolled up their sleeves for a good cause.

The Australian Red Cross ‘blood bus’ is in town and eager locals have nearly booked out the mobile blood donor centre’s appointment slots for the entire week.

Swan Hill receives four visits a year from the mobile donor centres that service the regional areas of the state, and Erin Lagoudakis from the Australian Red Cross said the area was a consistent blood donation stream. 

“We do get a lot of support from Swan Hill when we go there,” Ms Lagoudakis said.

“It’s great to know that when we go there if we do put the call out the community does rally and meet that call. 

State demand for blood is currently sitting at a constant level however Ms Lagoudakis said that can change very quickly. 

“There are a whole range of people that need blood; cancer patients, women going into labour, road trauma victims,” she said.

“Demand can spike very suddenly, say if someone has been in a major car accident.”

With donated blood used for over 20 different medical treatments, the Red Cross estimate around one in three Australians will need blood during their lifetime.

However, only one in 30 donate.

Ms Lagoudakis said if you are considering donating blood, preparation is key.

“Drink plenty of water — hydration doesn’t include coffee or soft drink,” she said.

“Have a good meal before you go along, then stick around after, eat the refreshments and take your time knowing that you’re saving three lives.”

If you still want to donate blood, there are 20 available appointments at the mobile donor centre on Curlewis Street remaining for Sunday, January 10. 

Call 13 14 95 to book or head to donateblood.com.au

The mobile blood donor centre will return in three months time from Tuesday, April 12 to Tuesday, April 19.