Mount Gambier City Council’s advocacy for a permanent blood donation clinic continues following an urgent call from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood for more donors.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood recently issued an urgent call for donors as reserves of most blood types are at critically low levels.
At council’s September monthly meeting elected member Kate Amoroso put forward a motion for a permanent local blood collection service in Mount Gambier.
“Mount Gambier does not offer a permanent blood donation service,” she said.
Currently Lifeblood offers a mobile service that visits the region, which is scheduled to be in Mount Gambier in October and Naracoorte in November.
“Advocating for permanent blood donor services is essential for creating a reliable, sustainable blood supply system,” said Cr Amoroso.
“The current demand for blood is high and the current levels of donations are struggling to meet the demand.
“Blood and plasma are used to treat a number of life-threatening conditions and their use continues to grow each year.
“By emphasising community involvement, donor relationships, cost-efficiency, organisations and advocates can work toward a future where blood donation is an integral and regular part of community health support systems.”
Council will write to the Red Cross, Health and Aged Care Federal Minister Mark Butler and South Australia Health and Wellbeing Minister Chris Picton to address the issue.
As part of the motion, a copy of the letter will be sent to Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven, Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin, Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell and the Limestone Coast Local Area Health Network seeking their support.
Lifeblood Donor Experience executive director Cath Stone said without a significant boost in people donating, supplies could reach their lowest level this year.
“The current demand for blood is extremely high and the current level of donations is struggling to keep up with this high demand,” she said.
“Whilst some stock is also held in hospitals, Lifeblood needs people donating to meet the needs of patients.
“Blood and plasma are required to treat a number of life-threatening conditions and their use continues to grow each year.
“This is driving the very high demand for both blood and plasma.
“Almost 4000 bags of blood are needed by hospitals every day across Australia to help patients in times of trauma, major surgery, cancer treatment, pregnancy and for a range of other medical conditions.
“Just one donation could save up to three lives.
“Fewer than 3% of the population donate blood regularly, yet more than 58% are eligible to donate.
“That means there are about 10 million more people who could donate today, but do not.”
Ms Stone said it was likely there would be ongoing appeals for blood.
Lifeblood wants blood donation to become a habit for many more Australians, and not just something people do when there is an urgent need.
Ms Stone also encouraged people not to rule themselves out, as many potential donors incorrectly believe they are ineligible.
“If you’re unsure, you can jump on the Lifeblood website and take the eligibility quiz,” she said.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s blood supply levels are now available to view in real-time in the hope it will encourage more people to donate more often.
The supply levels are updated daily, and displays each blood type, which is sorted Australia wide and by state.
“Even if you do not know your blood type you can still donate and giving blood is the easiest way to find out,” Ms Stone said.
“Everything you need to know about making a donation can be found on the Red Cross Lifeblood website.”
Lifeblood’s mobile service will be visiting Mount Gambier for one week from October 28 to November 1, and two weeks in Naracoorte from November 12 to 15 and November 18 to 21.
Visit Lifeblood online www.lifeblood.com.au for more information on making a donation, blood supply levels, and mobile service times and locations.
