In the past 12 months more than 500,000 Australians have selflessly given up their time to make more than 1.2 million blood donations.
They give their blood anonymously, but little do they know that every day someone thanks them.
The importance of blood to the community can never be understated as thousands of people rely on blood and blood products to improve the quality of their lives.
To let blood donors know how special they are, 15-21st September has been designated as National Blood Donor Week. During the week local milestone donors will be commemorated at official functions across the nation.
One single blood donation helps to save up to three lives - the lives of people with cancer, mothers and children, as well burns and accident victims. The blood service would like to join those who need blood by saying thank you too.
Every week Australia needs 21,000 blood donations to ensure that hospitals and clinics have enough blood and blood products to help people in need. More and more blood is needed every year and Australian Red Cross Blood Service encourages everyone to consider becoming a blood donor.
Current blood stocks are dangerously low. Thousands of people need blood to stay alive this week. We need your help. Today. For more information, or to make an appointment, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.
Dr Pip Hetzel is the National Operations Manager of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
www.donateblood.com.au [1]
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