Blood donations from Warwick have almost halved and there’s not even a collection service provided in Tenterfield, despite the call for more blood donors.
However, Stanthorpe continues to be a well supported centre, with the service booked out each visit.
Australian Red Cross Blood Service community relations officer Kirsten McGovern said about 52 Stanthorpe residents donated blood when the mobile collection service operated from the Stanthorpe Civic Centre in Marsh Street every three months. The next visit is scheduled for May 31 between 10am and 2pm.
Yet the bigger community of Warwick only manages about 30 blood donors each month.
Mrs McGovern said up until about four months ago, the Rose City also attracted about 50 donors.
She was hoping residents would once again throw their support behind the service, with the next visit scheduled for this Tuesday between 10am and 2pm by appointment and 3pm to 6.30pm as an open session at the Red Cross Rooms in Guy Street.
“Each donation we receive we separate three times, so we will help or save 150 people if we reach our goal of 50 donors,” Mrs McGovern said.
“One in three people will need a blood donation and currently only one in 30 donates,” she said.
“A blood donation takes an hour of your time, costs you nothing, but is invaluable to those who receive it.”
Australian Red Cross Blood Service community relations team leader for regional NSW Richard Webb said Tenterfield residents would need to travel to either Stanthorpe or Lismore if they were interested in donating blood.
Mr Webb said the costs involved and the need for the donated blood to be processed in a certain timeframe made it difficult for a mobile collection service to operate from Tenterfield.
However, he admitted that blood stocks in winter were lower than other seasons due to people suffering from colds or the flu.
Potential donors are reminded to drink one to two litres of water or juice in the 24 hours prior to donating, have a substantial meal in the hours leading up to their donation, and to bring photo identification.
For further enquiries regarding eligibility or to make an appointment, please call 13 14 95.
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Story: Rebecca Brown
