17 August 2015
Hundreds of Blood Donations Needed in Mackay

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service needs to collect 341 more blood donations at the Mackay Blood Donor Centre in the next three weeks.

These blood donations are needed for people with cancer, stomach and bowel disease, nursing mothers, just to name a few.

“Our appointments are down this winter, and that’s a real concern, as winter is always a difficult time for blood donation” Blood Service Spokesperson Sandy Holmes said.

“Right now we need people to make an appointment to donate blood within the next three to four weeks.”

“We are calling on anyone who hasn’t donated for a while, to make an appointment; particularly anyone with O negative blood.”

One in every three Australians will need to rely on donated blood at some time in their life, and yet just one in 30 Australians donates blood.

The Blood Service wants people who may not have donated for some time, to begin donating again; and those who’ve never donated, to start the life-giving habit.

“Every blood donation can save 3 lives” Ms Holmes said.

Mackay Donor Centre, 475 Bridge Rd (next to Mackay Base Hospital)

Opening Hours:
• Monday - Tuesday: 11:00 - 19:30
• Wednesday: 07:00 - 15:15 (Closes at 12:30pm every second Wednesday)
• Thursday: 11:00 - 19:30
• Friday: 07:00 - 14:00

For further information please contact:
Sandy Holmes, Australian Red Cross Blood Service
4032 9208, 0419 831 850
saholmes@redcrossblood.org.au