23-May-2007
Goldstein Media Releases, Health
The gap between the number of blood donors and the number of Australians who need blood is set to widen, according to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS), unless Australians step up their efforts as blood donors.
Recent government forecasts suggest that demand for blood is expected to more than double in the next ten years.
"The forecast increase in demand means that Australia will need around 2 million individual blood donations each year to ensure that people, young and old, have the lifesaving products they need to survive," Andrew Robb said.
Currently, a little more than half a million Australian blood donors give just over 1.2 million donations. The half a million donors represent around 3.5% of the eligible donor population, compared with an average of 4.4% for other comparable nations.
"If the proportion of blood donors in Australia was equivalent to the international average, and if all those donors gave blood four times a year, then we would have sufficient donations to meet forecast demand.
"This is not just a challenge for the Blood Service, but for the entire country and for all Australians.
“Together, as a community, we need to ensure there are sufficient blood and blood products, voluntarily given by Australia's donors, to meet the medical needs of our community,
“In the electorate of Goldstein, 6,332 people donated blood in 2006. This is approximately 7% of enrolled voters” Andrew Robb said.
To help remind Australians of the need to give blood, the Blood Service will publish updated data in each of the four seasons.
"By giving blood in each of autumn, winter, spring and summer, you will help to save up to 12 lives in one year."
"Being a blood donor, or becoming a blood donor, is a very practical way to help those in need”
For more information on becoming a donor, please visit www.donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.
Media contact: Megan Cox 9557 4644 or 0414 492 674