Blood donations needed for winter

1/08/04
Health Minister Jim McGinty is urging Western Australians to donate blood to boost supplies during winter.
Mr McGinty said the Australian Red Cross Society relied on the continuous support of the community to maintain blood stocks, which were particularly stretched during the colder months.
In WA during July, the Red Cross' blood supply fell short by 330 litres, which was equal to about 1,000 donations.
"Now is a very good time for healthy people to donate blood because our usual number of regular donors tends to drop during winter due to colds and flu's," the Minister said.
"Each year within WA, more than 100,000 donations of blood are needed to meet demand.
"Blood transfusions are a fundamental component of our health system, not only saving lives in life-threatening emergencies, but also prolonging the life of organs and tissues and helping people maintain quality of life."
Mr McGinty, who has donated for more than 37 years, said more than 80 per cent of people benefited from blood donations at some point in their life.
Donations are used in transfusions and to make products for cancer patients, people with stomach, bowel, liver, kidney and heart disease, trauma and burns victims, people with immune disorders, haemophiliacs, pregnant women and babies.
August is Blood Donor Awareness Month and Mr McGinty, along with cricketer Justin Langer, Bali survivor Peter Hughes and Professor Fiona Wood, will act as ambassadors for the campaign to encourage people to donate blood.
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Australian Red Cross Society's Blood Service.
To celebrate the generosity of blood donors, the Kings Park lights will be lit red from August 1 to 7.
To become a donor, call 13 14 95 or visit http://www.donateblood.com.au

Minister's office: 9220 5000