Give a lifeline by donating blood in the new year
DONATING blood in the new year is a resolution all Aussies can keep.
The Australian Red Cross has issued an urgent call for donors to make an appointment to give blood between now and January 4.
It is hoped enough platelets can be collected which are used by cancer patients undergoing chemotheraphy.
Red Cross Blood Service spokeswoman Chloe Cutler said donors had helped cancer patients get through Christmas, but there was concern about the new year.
"Many people will take New Year's Eve as a public holiday, meaning they'll have a five-day weekend," she said.
"The issue for us is that platelets only live for five days, and so we need as many donors as possible on Monday, which is New Year's Eve, to top up supplies until donors return on January 2 and beyond."
Miss Cutler said one in three Australians would need blood in their lifetime.
"The greatest users of blood are cancer patients," she said.
"If you know someone who has battled or is currently battling cancer then you know how tiring the treatment can be.
"Donated blood is a source of vitality for people undergoing chemotherapy. Just an hour could mean a lifetime to someone else this new-year period."
To help, call the Australian Red Cross Blood Service on 131 495 or visit donateblood.com.au.
