More blood needed

Albany residents are being urged to roll up their sleeves and give blood, with the number of donors dropping around the country amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Staff from the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry are hoping to rally support from chamber members and the public to sign up an extra 100 donors by the end of the year.

ACCI membership co-ordinator Nathan Crudeli is one of the chamber’s staff who gives blood.

“There are only two regional blood banks and we want to support them,” he said. “This is an opportunity to take action at a time when it sometimes feels like there is nothing we can do.”

The Albany Advertiser’s own fresh blood — new reporter Sarah Makse — is backing the campaign.

Makse joined the Advertiser this week after a stint at the Esperance Express.

Lifeblood chief executive Shelly Park said travel and venue restrictions did not prevent people from giving blood and there was no evidence COVID-19 was transmissible by blood transfusion.

“We need you now more than ever,” she said.

“As healthcare settings, our blood donor centres are open and our teams are ready to welcome donors who are healthy and well.

“Even though this situation continues to change rapidly, there are still patients in hospital who need blood and are relying on people to continue making these generous donations.”

Lifeblood appealed for more than 14,000 people to come forward last week and while many people have answered the call, an additional 10,000 donors are still needed over the next three weeks. Call 13 14 95 or visit lifeblood.com.au.