The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has rolled up its sleeve in support of the state-wide Red Cross Emergency Services Blood Drive, encouraging all staff, friends and family to donate blood.
As first responders, Queensland Police Service see firsthand the need for blood donations.
QPS officers attended the launch, including long time and passionate donor, Senior Constable Karen Watson.
Karen has made an astonishing 426 donations of blood and plasma across 35 years and will continue to make donations every two weeks during the Blood Drive.
"It's such an important cause and I just really want to encourage others to donate. I also want QPS to win the challenge!" said Karen.
Lifeblood hopes their biggest annual Blood Drive, which runs from June 1 to August 31, will kick-start a boost to blood and plasma stocks as Queensland heads into its most challenging season.
The colder months mean many donors need to cancel or reschedule appointments due to illness.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued an immediate call for donors as their reserves of most blood types drop to critical levels.
Sergeant Jay Bairstow and Senior Constable Phil Brock took the opportunity to roll up their sleeve and make a donation to kick off the annual Blood Drive.
Quick facts:
- One donation could save up to three lives.
- One in three people require donated blood in their lifetime.
- Lifeblood says it needs 1,200 people donating every day in the coming week to meet the needs of patients.
- Almost 4,000 bags of blood are needed by hospitals every day across Australia.
Every week Lifeblood needs 33,000 blood and plasma donations around the nation to help save the lives of cancer patients, trauma victims, and unborn babies. Plasma, the golden part of blood, can be used in 18 different life-giving ways.
The QPS is proud to support this life-saving blood drive and encourages everyone to roll up their sleeve this winter and make a difference.
To book a donation, visit www.lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.
