Dubbo businesses and their staff have helped save hundreds of lives by donating blood.
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On Tuesday, February 27, Dubbo’s top three Red 25 organisations the NSW Police, Dubbo Regional Council and Dubbo Hospital were commended on their efforts with a special certificate.
Staff at the Dubbo Police donated 172 saving 516 lives.
The DRC donated 164 times, saving 492 lives.
Staff at the Dubbo Hospital donated 158 times, helping to save 474 lives.
Dubbo’s blood donor centre manager Debbie Garden said while one in 30 people donate blood, one in three will need blood.
Jan Colbran from Dubbo Police said just recently she has had colleagues needing blood.
“It was a nice camaraderie for everyone to come down and a good feeling for the Police as opposed to a lot of the negative we go through,” she said.
Red25 is a unique giving program that unites workplaces, community groups, schools and universities around Australia to save lives through blood donation.
Blood Service spokesperson Brian Bruce thanked the organisations.
The local Blood Service is calling on more residents to give plasma, a type of blood donation needed by thousands of Australians battling chronic illness, burns and infectious diseases.
“Plasma is set to become Australia’s most-needed blood component in just a few years,” Mr Bruce said.
“It’s considered the ‘liquid gold’ of blood products not only because of its golden colour but also for its growing list of medical applications – 18 uses to date.
“Plasma and its many treatments are used to treat shock and burns, fight infectious diseases, prevent blood clots, and stop critical bleeding – often in emergency situations.”
To help keep pace with patient needs, the Blood Service is urging Dubbo locals, business and community groups to make their next donation plasma.
“We’re looking for new donors to give plasma and we’re also asking existing plasma donors to give an extra donation this year,” he said.
To donate at Dubbo Blood Donor Centre, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au