Hayden Hill would donate blood every day if he could - unfortunately this isn't physically possible.
But it hasn't stopped the 25-year-old from reaching a milestone of 100 blood and plasma donations.
At a time when the impact of the pandemic on hospitals, medical facilities and communities is stretching blood supplies around the world, the Launceston local is calling on others to roll up their sleeves.
Lifeblood Australia has warned while patients are getting the blood products they need with supplies at a sufficient level, there is no room for complacency.
Across Tasmania, about 320 additional donors are needed over the next two weeks - including 40 in Launceston.
The Launceston Donor Centre, where Mr Hill frequents, needs about 350 donors every week to meet demand.
Mr Hill, who first started donating blood and plasma when he was 20, said it was a quick and easy way to help save a life.
"My aunty is a nurse at the LGH and she has helped me out in a lot of ways. It got me thinking how I could help out as well," he said.
"I wanted to try it, but I was initially a bit nervous. Then once I did it the first time I realised it was easy. You just roll up your sleeve and you are saving three lives every donation. Across the world ... we know there are a lot of people who need blood transfusions."
Nations all over the world are continuing to grapple with maintaining blood supplies, with some calling for more donors and postponing hospital surgeries to manage blood shortages.
Lifeblood executive director of donor services Cath Stone said while Australia was ahead of the game, this could change.
"Unfortunately COVID lockdowns, a change in people's movements and lifestyles, and general social anxiety has led to many of our wonderful donors cancelling their regular donations, or simply failing to show up," she said.
"Our message today is please come back. Book a donation, but better still, book three donations over the next 12 months and know you are potentially helping save up to nine lives."
To book a donation please call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the free Donate Blood app.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
- Follow us on Google News: The Examiner
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.
