With more than a third of Aussies (38 per cent) planning to travel during April, Lifeblood is warning blood supplies could be largely impacted unless people donate before or during their holiday.
The coincidence of having two consecutive national public holiday weekends for Easter and Anzac Day – which last occurred in 2019 – means that by taking just three days of annual leave, workers can enjoy an extended 10-day break.
Lifeblood spokesperson Cath Stone said experience shows that blood supply levels are at greater risk of falling during holiday periods.
“Easter is traditionally a quiet time for us and throw in the fact that millions of Australians will be taking advantage of the public holidays and extended leave options, donation might not be top of mind,” said Ms Stone.
Every day, Lifeblood issues more than 9,500 bags of blood and plasma and medications to Australian hospitals and the need for blood doesn’t stop when the rest of Australia takes a holiday.
As well as donating before travel, Lifeblood is asking people to consider making an appointment to donate on the way to their holiday destination or when they get there – if they are travelling within Australia.
“The great thing about our donor centre network is that there are more than 100 Lifeblood donation sites across the country so the opportunity to save a life is never too far away,” Ms Stone added.
“We’ve got donor centres in some very popular destinations, including the Gold Coast, Far North Queensland, northern and country NSW, the WA coast, and Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and High Country.
“Whether you’re heading off on a road trip or just taking some extra days off work, make your holiday your reason to donate, all while making a big difference to people who rely on blood products.”
Blood donation plays a critical role in saving the lives of Australians every day. In fact, just one blood donation can save up to three lives.
Lifeblood is also reminding people not to rule themselves out from donating if they are travelling overseas during the Easter holidays either.
“If you’re heading overseas, you might have to wait to donate blood, but you could be eligible to donate plasma as soon as you’re back.
“Visit our website to check your eligibility because it can change depending on where you travelled to. You never know – you could be able to save a life sooner than you think.”
Most Lifeblood donor centres across the country will be open over the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, including on public holidays, providing plenty of opportunities to donate.
Anyone who donates between 14 April and 25 May will receive an exclusive, Easter-themed bandage by Melbourne artist Alice Oehr.
To find your nearest donor centre and to book an appointment, visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95, or download the Donate Blood App.
