Albany residents called on to give the gift of life this Christmas by donating blood

People looking to give something meaningful this Christmas are being urged to give blood, with more blood and plasma donors needed in Albany next week.
The Lifeblood Albany Donor Centre needs about 10 extra blood and plasma donors on December 29 and about 15 volunteers to fill vacant appointments on December 30.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood spokeswoman Jessica Willet said blood was one of the greatest gifts you could give this Christmas.
“Christmas is the season for giving, and there is no better gift than life,” she said.
“Donating blood only takes an hour of your time, but for a patient, it’s life-changing.
“That change may be a second chance, the key to a fuller life, or perhaps, it’s more time with family and friends.”
Ms Willet said the need for blood never stopped even over the holidays, with blood needed somewhere in Australia every 18 seconds and blood platelets only lasting a week.
“With many donors expected to celebrate Christmas with family and friends, and perhaps taking the opportunity to travel, the supply of platelets is a particular concern,” she said.
“It takes four blood donations to make just one bag of platelets, which plays a vital role in clotting and cancer treatment.
“We need a constant, fresh supply across the holidays to meet the needs of patients.”
The Lifeblood Albany Donor Centre on Warden Avenue will be open from 11am-7.30pm on December 29 and 8am-3.30pm on December 30.
Visit lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails