If a crisis occurs then it is not uncommon to see entire communities pulling together, rallying to support one of their own.

Time is given, food is cooked, fundraisers are had – all to support someone who is going through something tough.

That is an admirable quality that many people who visit our state remark on – and it has become a defining characteristic of what it means to be Tasmanian.

As the year draws to a close, it is also the time of year people reflect on what is important to them – but also what they might want to change.

New Year resolutions are a tradition that many people make with familiar ones such as lose weight, read more or spend more time with family high on the priority list.

Something not everyone thinks about often is blood donation.

Data from the Australian Red Cross blood donation centre shows Launceston has one of the lowest rates of blood donors in Australia.

And at Christmas and New Year it is even more important to donate blood.

Many regular donors go overseas or on holidays, or may take a break over the holiday period but the demand for blood donations is always there.

Those who are sick don’t get a holiday from needing donor blood.

Blood that is donated is used to help those suffering from cancer and other diseases but it can also help those who suffer complications from surgery or childbirth.

There are many ways that you can donate – from whole blood to plasma or platelets, or even bone marrow or organ donation.

Donating blood only takes one hour, and all you need to do is turn up to your appointment, sit down and relax as the qualified staff at the Launceston Blood Bank do their vital work.

So, while getting fit and spending time with your family are also valuable resolutions, it might be time to think about blood donation.

Every donation saves three lives – so make an appointment and change a community.