Community & Business
14 June, 2025
Red Cross calls for more blood
QUEENSLANDERS are being urged to roll up their sleeves in support of the annual Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive.
The drive will see workers from ambulance, fire, police and SES sectors come together to donate as much blood and plasma as they can.
The three-month campaign, which runs from June 1 to August 31, provides a much-needed boost to blood and plasma stocks as many regular donors cancel or reschedule due to cold and flu during the winter months.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said blood and plasma donations were crucial to supporting patients across the state.
“From patients facing cancer, to those undergoing heart surgery and those who have suffered severe burns – there are many situations and conditions that require blood and plasma donations,” he said.
As demand for blood and plasma continues to increase at record levels, Lifeblood spokeswoman Belinda Smetioukh hopes the Queensland community will follow the lead of emergency services workers and book a donation.
“Every day, we issue close to 10,000 blood products and medications to hospitals around the country to meet patient demand, and we would love to see more people across Queensland support our Emergency Services and join our movement of donors,” she said.
“If you’re feeling healthy and well, and meet our eligibility criteria, we would love to see you.
“An hour of your time might give someone the rest of their life.”
A blood appointment takes about an hour, with the donation itself only lasting up to 10 minutes, and blood can be donated every three months. A plasma appointment takes about an hour and a half, with 40 minutes in the donor chair, and donations of plasma can be made every fortnight.
To make a donation, call 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au
