Lifeblood asks community to roll up their sleeves

By Emily Donohoe

Jan 9, 2025

The Lifeblood mobile donor van will be calling into Echuca at the end of the month. Photo: File.

With donations urgently needed, Lifeblood is calling on the Echuca-Moama community to book an appointment at the mobile donor van when it rolls into town from Tuesday, January 21.

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At the time of publishing, 30 appointments were available during this visit, which will see the van located at the High St car park, Echuca, until Friday, February 7.

Over the new-year week, more than 6500 people cancelled their donation appointments, while a further 14,000 rescheduled or did not attend.

Lifeblood executive director Cath Stone has urged people to donate to Lifeblood, hoping to see numbers increase as the silly season slows down.

“We know the festive season is a busy time of year, and everyone looks forward to a well-earned break, but the need for blood has not stopped,” she said.

“Every day, we are issuing more than 9500 blood and plasma transfusions and medications to Australian hospitals.

“There are still cancer patients, road trauma victims, new mums and newborn babies, and people with immune deficiencies that are relying on the generosity of blood donors.

“Now that the holiday season has come to an end and people are returning to their normal routines, we’re hoping more people will find an hour in their schedule to save lives.”

There is a critical need for blood, with the demand for donations of blood and plasma growing with the population.

Real-time blood supply levels are accessible on the Lifeblood website at lifeblood.com.au/blood/blood-supply-levels

“Demand for blood and plasma continues to increase at record levels. More donations are needed than ever before, largely due to a growing and ageing population,” Ms Stone said.

“To keep up with that demand, we need an extra 100,000 people to find their reason to make a blood donation in 2025.

“It could be because someone you know has cancer or because you need a new year’s resolution. It could be because it makes you feel good, or it might even be because of the party pies.

“For every reason to become a donor, there’s an even bigger reason. Life. So please book your donation today.”

The Lifeblood mobile donor van will return to Echuca from May 6 to 23.

Community members can check available appointment times and book at lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre/vic/echuca-mobile-donor-centre

Donors are reminded that appointments are regularly cancelled and rescheduled, so if their preferred day or time is unavailable, they should check back in.