It's time to roll up the sleeves again for the annual Defence Blood Drive.
Organisers hope this year's drive, which launched on September 1 and will finish on December 8, will bring in more than 11,000 donations, potentially helping 30,000 Australians in need of blood and plasma.
Now in its 16th year, the Defence Blood Drive is a chance to book a donation and nominate it to count towards a service, Defence Australian Public Service (APS) or Defence industry team.
ADF Surgeon General Rear Admiral Sonya Bennett is this year's Defence Blood Drive ambassador, and said community support was integral to making the blood drive a success.
"Defence is proud to play its part supporting thousands of Australians who depend on blood donations for their quality of life and, for many, their survival," Rear Admiral Bennett said.
"We're encouraging Defence families, veterans and supporters of Defence to roll up their sleeves and donate blood if they're able."
In the time it takes to drive to work, a blood donation could save three lives, while plasma donations can create 18 life-giving treatments. People can also donate platelets.
Last year, Defence was one of the largest blood drive contributors, with teams making more than 10,300 donations.
But the need for blood products is greater than the supply.
Defence's efforts during the three months of last year's drive were enough to meet national demand for just one week.
People can join a Navy, Army or Air Force team, or a Defence APS or Defence industry team, once they've created a Lifeblood account.
Create an account and book donations online or by using the Lifeblood app.
For more information visit donateblood.com.au/lifeblood-teams
