July 29, 2015
Gippsland MP Darren Chester has encouraged locals to roll up their sleeves and donate blood or plasma this week.
The MP was back at the Traralgon Blood Bank on Tuesday for his latest donation, which coincided with National Blood Donor week.
“Most people are able to give blood if they feel fit and healthy, are aged between 16 and 70 years and weigh over 45kg,” Mr Chester said.
“Currently only one in 30 Australians give blood but one in three of us will need blood in our lifetimes.
“The Red Cross staff provide a safe and friendly service. I am sure they are always happy to see new faces sitting in the donor’s chair.
A single blood donation, when separated into its components, can help at least three different patients and plasma donations contribute to making up to 18 different products (including potentially life-saving immunisations for chicken pox, hepatitis B and tetanus).
National Blood Donor Week runs from July 26 to August 1. To find out more, call 13 14 95 to find out more.
CAPTION: Darren Chester MP in the donor’s chair at Traralgon Blood Bank with staff Hayley Harris, Ange Steevens(*OK) and Marlee Sutton.
