While most people are stocking up on chocolate before Easter, the Australian Red Cross is scrambling for donors.
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Ahead of the Easter long weekend, the blood service is urging people to donate blood and help keep the national supply pumping.
Red Cross spokeswoman Ann Harvey said while one in three people will need blood during their lifetime, only one in 30 people donate.
“Over the Easter long weekend and even in the days leading up to and after the break, we expect many of our regular donors will be taking a well-earned break,” she said.
“Unfortunately the need for blood does not take a break over Easter.
“Australian patients suffering critical bleeding from road trauma and child birth, and blood disorder and cancer patients are all expecting blood to be there when they need it over the Easter break.”
Last week Launceston’s John Fawcett donated blood for the 350th time and said it was one of the easiest things people could do to help those in need.
“I don’t think people really realise the reach for blood transfusions,” he said.
“There are a million things that could happen requiring a blood donation. It is such a simple thing to do to give back and you might just be saving a life.”
Mr Fawcett has been donating blood since he was 18 years old and said he would continue to do so for as long as he was able.
The Launceston Donor Centre has bookings available from March 26 to 29.
More information can be found at donateblood.com.au or by calling 13 14 95.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
