09-June-2008
Goldstein Media Releases, Health
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service celebrates World Blood Donor Day on June 14.
Federal Member for Goldstein, Andrew Robb, urges all Bayside residents to make the selfless commitment to give blood.
“I would like to personally thank the 5.6% of people living in my electorate of Goldstein who are currently blood donors,” said Mr Robb.
“This is nearly double the average number of blood donors nationally but I know we can do even better.”
Today, we are seeing the majority of donated blood going to people battling cancer, heart and other organ diseases or living with disorders treated with blood and blood products.
Australia needs 21,000 blood donations per week to ensure there are adequate supplies for those people who need it, but we are falling well short.
As medical technology progresses, more and more uses for blood will be developed. As a result, the need for blood continues to increase.
“The ageing of Australia’s population will also have a significant impact on a greater need for blood donation,” Mr Robb said.
Currently 1 in 3 Australians will need blood at some stage during their lifetime – but only 1 in 30 give it.
World Blood Donor Day 2008 is also an opportunity to recognise the hardworking nurses and volunteers that support the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and the many blood donor centres across Australia.
“Australian Red Cross Blood Service volunteers make an emphatic contribution to the realisation of human dignity for so many men and women,” said Mr Robb.
Information on local Donor Centres and opening times can be found at donateblood.com.au or by calling 13 14 95.
“As a regular blood donor, I urge all Australians, who are able, to donate blood and I hope for ‘Many happy returns’.”
Media contact: Andrew Hudgson (03) 9557 4644 or 0404 020 896