CHESTER GETS BEHIND TRARALGON BLOOD DRIVE
May 24, 2013
The Traralgon Blood Donor Centre has put a call out for more blood donors and The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is on board.
Mr Chester is supporting efforts to sign up 400 blood donors by the end of June. He has urged Gippslanders to do the same over the next five weeks.
Mr Chester said blood supplies were needed to help patients in need and 400 new blood donors could help save up to 1200 lives.
He said one in three Australians will need blood in their lifetime yet only one in 30 currently donates, with demand for blood and blood products expected to double over the next 10 years.
“Giving blood is one of the easiest ways to help those who are ill or involved in some form of an accident in our community,” Mr Chester said.
“It doesn’t take long, is virtually pain-free and you get well looked after by Blood Service staff.
“I’ve been advised that there are only a handful of blood donors booked in for appointments in Traralgon over the next five weeks and I encourage more local residents to take some time out of their busy schedules to donate.”
Mr Chester said the centre was focused on increasing the number of donations for the Queen’s Birthday public holiday on Monday, June 10.
“Staff have advised me that only one appointment out of the 30 required for the special public holiday session has been filled,” Mr Chester said.
“Understandably a lot of people want to spend time with their families over the long weekend, but if you’re in the region and have the time, please donate and help save a life.”
The Traralgon Blood Donor Centre is located at 20 Seymour Street and is open:
Monday 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Tuesday 1:00pm – 7:00pm
Wednesday 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Thursday 8:30am – 4:00pm
Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm
The centre will be open on the Queen’s Birthday public holiday (Monday, June 10) between 9:30am and 1:30pm.
If you wish to book an appointment to donate blood please call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au