December 7, 2015
Assistant Minister for Defence, Darren Chester has congratulated members of the Australian Defence Force and Defence civilians who have taken part in the 2015 Defence Blood Challenge.
Mr Chester attended the Canberra Donor Centre to make a donation of plasma with Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Leo Davies in the last week of the Challenge.
“The ADF and Defence civilians have made an incredible effort to attend a Red Cross Blood Donor Centre and make a blood or plasma donation this year,” Mr Chester said.
“The 2015 Defence Blood Challenge had a target of 6,000 donations and this has already been met, which shows the enthusiasm of Defence personnel and their commitment to helping others.
“I encourage members of the ADF and members of the public to continue to take the time to donate blood throughout the entire year.
“With one in three Australians likely to receive a donation throughout their lifetime it is important that we continue to support the Red Cross by making a donation.
“I was able to make a donation of plasma which can be used to make 17 difference products. Plasma is used to protect patients against infectious diseases, to boost the immune system, to help those with shock or burns and assist with the treatment of liver and kidney diseases.”
While a donor can give blood every 12 weeks it is possible to donate plasma every 2 weeks.
The 2015 Defence Blood Challenge concludes 8 December 2015.
The 2015 Defence Blood Challenge results are available at: www.donateblood.com.au.
