Make pledge worth keeping

THERE is still time to make a New Year’s resolution, and the Australian Red Cross Blood Service is urging Greater Dandenong residents to make one that could save lives.
Every donation of blood could help save up to three lives. According to the service, one in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, but only one in every 30 donates.
Australian Red Cross Blood Service CEO Jennifer Williams said nationally, 26,000 donations are needed every week to help patients in need.
“Giving blood or plasma is a positive way of contributing to your community in 2010; not only do you get to feel good about doing the right thing, but you’re saving three people’s lives,” she said.
Ms Williams said Australian blood donors give hundreds of tonnes of plasma, the golden fluid from their blood, every year.
It is the most versatile component of blood and can be used to make up to 16 different products that help prevent and stop bleeding.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service anticipates that the demand for plasma will double in the next decade.
Most of that growth is underpinned by an increased need for plasma, which is used in treatment of conditions such as immune deficiencies, burns and vaccines.
“Your donation is needed and may give someone another day, another week, another life to spend with loved ones and friends,” Ms Williams said.
“That’s a New Year’s resolution worth keeping.”
To give blood in the New Year or for more information call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au.