The hunt is on for blood donations this Easter

The donations are needed to help boost blood supplies for cancer and trauma patients.

Platelets, a vital clotting agent in blood, are needed to treat patients undergoing chemotherapy and to combat life-threatening bleeding from road trauma and other emergency situations.

Approximately 120 blood donors is needed as donors are in short supply before, during and after the holiday.

The hunt for donations commenced Monday, March 26, but residents can still donate by Thursday, March 29.

Blood Service spokesperson Brian Bruce said the need for blood doesn’t take a holiday.

“One blood product, platelets, only lasts for five days – not much longer than a hot cross bun – so we need a constant supply,” he said.

“Around Easter many regular blood donors are away, which means blood supplies can dip if we don’t have enough good eggs to fill the gap.”

Mr Bruce encouraged new donors to be among those who respond to the call for blood this Easter.

“One in three people will need blood in their lifetime, yet currently only one in 30 donates,” he said.

“Donating blood has never been easier; donors can now manage their appointments online, track their donation history and even view their health statistics.

“Your lifesaving donation could help someone spend another Easter holiday with family and friends, and all it costs is an hour of time.”

Plasma or platelets donations take 45 minutes, and the whole appointment takes one and a half hours.

People can donate platelets every 12 weeks.

If you’re wishing to make a platelets donation, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service website recommends having three large glasses of water in the three hours prior to your appointment.

Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au and make an appointment to donate.

The Dubbo centre, situated at Unit 1,150, Darling Street,  is open from 11:30am to 7pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Or 8am to 2pm on Thursday.