Aviators are being encouraged to take part in the Defence Blood Challenge by donating life-saving blood.
Now in its sixteenth year, this is Australia's longest running blood donation challenge and the blood, plasma and platelets it helps collect each year makes a significant impact on the quality of life of Australians in need.
Helping drive this push is new Air Force Blood Challenge Ambassador, Warrant Officer of the Air Force (WOFF-AF) Ralph Clifton, who believes now is a particularly important time for aviators to donate blood where they can.
"Air Force consists of a large number of fit and healthy aviators and many will be eligible to be a donor for blood, plasma or platelets that could make a significant impact to another person's quality of life who is in need," WOFF-AF Clifton said.
"While many who want to donate are physically cleared to do so, others may be restricted for a number of reasons. Their participation in the Defence Blood Challenge remains just as important.
"This is something I really want to emphasise in this year's Defence Blood Challenge, that everyone who wants to be involved can and ultimately will make a difference to the lives of many Australians.
"If you somehow find yourself unable to donate blood or plasma, you can still put your hand up to either be a Blood Challenge Champion or simply turn your efforts towards awareness raising and getting others to roll up their sleeves.
"There is always a significant strain on the availability of blood and plasma supplies in Australia so we need to encourage more participation from not just eligible donors of the Air Force, but anyone who wants to help ensure supplies are available for those who need these potentially life-saving blood products."
So important is a well-stocked blood sector to Defence that a government-to-government agreement ensures ADF members are able to access blood and plasma in the country they are working, without the traditional hurdles.
"Literally anyone at any time - your family, or friends and work colleagues - could find themselves in an accident and emergency department urgently needing a blood transfusion to save their life," WOFF-AF Clifton said.
"Equally, a plasma donation is turned into 18 different quality-of-life giving medicines to counter a range of diseases and chronic conditions such as treatment for cancer, trauma, organ transplants, blood and brain disorders, burns and mothers during complicated childbirth.
"This is an opportunity to join everyday Australians to make a significant contribution to our community and show the support of the Air Force for this worthwhile cause."
In 2023, those who donated to the Defence Blood Challenge improved the lives of almost 31,000 Australians, and this year's aim is to match and hopefully exceed last year's total of more than 10,000 donations.
The Defence Blood Challenge runs from September 1 to December 8 and anyone wishing to register can do so through Australian Red Cross Lifeblood at www.lifeblood.com.au
