General News
17 April, 2025
Easter blood donations needed
With many Victorians planning to travel during April, Lifeblood is warning blood supplies could be significantly impacted unless people donate before or during their holidays.
According to Lifeblood, 2600 additional donors will be needed in Victoria over the next two weeks, higher than any other Australian state or territory.
Lifeblood spokesperson Cath Stone said experience shows that blood supply levels are at greater risk of falling during holiday periods.
“Easter is traditionally a quiet time for us and throw in the fact that millions of Australians will be taking advantage of the public holidays and extended leave options, donation might not be top of mind,” she said.
Every day, Lifeblood issues more than 9500 bags of blood and plasma plus medications to Australian hospitals. The need for blood doesn’t stop when the rest of Australia takes a holiday.
As well as donating before travel, Lifeblood is asking people to consider making an appointment to donate on the way to their holiday destination or when they get there, if they are travelling within Australia.
“The great thing about our donor centre network is that there are more than 100 Lifeblood donation sites across the country so the opportunity to save a life is never too far away,” Ms Stone said.
“Whether you’re heading off on a road trip or just taking some extra days off work, make your holiday your reason to donate, all while making a big difference to people who rely on blood products.”
Blood donation plays a critical role in saving the lives of Australians every day.
Just one blood donation can save up to three lives.
Lifeblood is also reminding people not to rule themselves out from donating if they are travelling overseas during the Easter holidays.
“If you’re heading overseas, you might have to wait to donate blood, but you could be eligible to donate plasma as soon as you’re back,” Ms Stone said.
“Visit our website to check your eligibility because it can change depending on where you travelled to. You never know, you could be able to save a life sooner than you think.”
Most Lifeblood centres across the country will be open over the Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, including on public holidays, providing plenty of opportunities to donate.
Anyone who donates between April 14 and May 25 will receive a an exclusive Easter themed bandage.
To find your nearest donor centre and to book an appointment, visit lifeblood.com.au, call 131 495, or download the Donate Blood App.