As the holiday period rolls-on, the need for blood donors never stops.
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Between now and January 5, nearly 300 donors are needed to help bolster blood supplies across Tasmania.
While many regular donors often take a break over the Christmas and new years period, for Travis Lee of Mole Creek it was business as usual on Saturday.
Mr Lee has been donating blood at the Launceston Red Cross Blood Service Donor Centre for the past four years.
Originally motivated by a “healthy competition” with his sister, Mr Lee said donating blood had since become a major part of his life.
“I give blood every fortnight and it has gotten to the point now that I feel bad if I don’t do it,” he said.
“It has become a bit of a ritual and it is something small you can do to feel good about yourself. I can’t imagine not doing it now.”
Each year more than 13,000 Australians are diagnosed with blood cancers, with many relying on donors.
One blood product vital to cancer treatment is platelets, made from blood donations.
However with a shelf-life of just five days, Blood Service spokeswoman Ann Harvey said a constant supply was needed to meet demand.
On average a patient with blood cancer undergoing eight months of treatment will need about 18 people to donate blood each month.
Ms Harvey said platelets, the clotting part of blood, were also relied on to prevent internal bleeding, with acute patients using up to 36 units each of platelets each month.
“It takes blood donations from four people to make just one bag of platelets for patients, and we can’t stockpile them ahead of the holidays,” she said.
“We’re launching the Blood Blitz to remind people the need for blood won’t be taking a break over the holidays and urge those who can to make an appointment to donate between 28 December and 5 January.”
After recently clocking up his 60th donation, Mr Lee said he would continue to give blood until he “ran out”.
“One in three people will need blood at some point in their life, so the chances are you will know some who is benefiting from a blood donor. I will keep doing it until they tell me I can’t,” he said.
- The Launceston donor centre will open Monday and Wednesday from 7.30am to 3pm. For more information visit donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95 to make an appointment.
