The Maroochydore Donor Centre, together with the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, is looking for volunteers who are willing to come and donate blood for those in need.
Did you know that one in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime—may it be due to an accident, difficult pregnancy, cancer, or other medical conditions, and yet only one in thirty Australians donate blood each year?
Australia is in need of more than 29,000 blood donations each week in order to supply the growing demands of patients and hospitals. Given these general statistics from the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, more and more accredited donor centres are now seeking volunteers who are willing to donate blood.
By donating blood, you get to help save the lives of those in need. A single blood donation can save up to three lives.
Blood Donation
There are three types of blood donation. These include blood, plasma or platelets. Each type of blood donation is used for different medical treatments, and a person’s blood type determines the best donation for him/her to make.
How does it work?
Blood is simply collected straight from a donor without anything taken out first. After the blood is donated, the manufacturing team separates it into three components—red blood cells, plasma and platelets—inside the laboratory.
The team also tests samples from every donation to ensure patients are receiving high-quality and safe blood products. After completing the entire testing process, donated blood products are then delivered to different Australian hospitals.
Thinking of Donating Blood?
If you’re interested in being a blood donor, here’s a checklist guide for eligibility:
- Feel fit and healthy
- Age must be between 18 and 75
- Weighs over 50kg
You may be temporarily unable to give blood if you:
- Are on certain medications or antibiotics
- Have a cold or are feeling unwell in any way
- Have certain medical conditions
- Changed medications
- Recently had surgery
- Have had recent dental treatment
- Recently travelled
- Had a piercing
Click here to view the full list of guidelines for eligible blood donors.
Donating blood is simple and easy. Make your appointment now at the Maroochydore Donor Centre, one of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood accredited blood donor centres.
Maroochydore Donor Centre is open from Monday to Sunday. Click here to view the centre’s complete schedule and Holiday period open hours.
For more information and bookings, please call 13 14 95.