Generous donor response

Blood levels are on the rise and appointments are looking much healthier at the Red Cross donation centre in Rockingham, according to a spokeswoman.

In the Sound Telegraph on September 28, a plea wasmade by the Red Cross Service as 536 appointments lay empty and needed to be filled to meet demand.

Jessica Willet from the Red Cross said the response from the public had been positive and as a result, many first-time donors came through the Rockingham donation centre’s doors.

‘‘Thanks to the great response from the local community, we managed to collect enough blood to meet our target for the fortnight between September 26 and October 10,’’ Ms Willet said.

Although the target for the past fortnight were comfortably met, Ms Willet stressed that residents of Rockingham and Kwinana should not become complacent.

‘‘Appointment numbers at the Rockingham blood donor centre are looking much healthier for October, but we still have 50 appointments to fill this week,’’ she said.

Ms Willet said every blood donation was important and had the potential to save up to three lives.

‘‘Blood supplies are safe and stable, but as there is a constant need for blood, we always encourage people to make appointments.’’

According to the Red Cross, the red cells processed from blood donations can only be refrigerated for up to six weeks, and thus it requires constant donations from the public to ensure a fresh supply.

For more information or to make an appointment visit donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.