By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
Roll up, roll up, the Pakenham mobile blood donor centre needs to fill 100 appointments by Friday 13 February.
Erin Lagoudakis from the Australian Red Cross Blood Service said Thursday 12 and Friday 13 are particularly light for donors in Pakenham.
“The amount of blood collected at these appointments will be enough to save around 300 lives,” Ms Lagoudakis said.
The mobile blood donor centre will be open until Friday 13 at 3.30pm at the Cardinia Cultural Centre Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham.
“Thirty-four per cent of all donated blood goes to help patients with cancer and other blood diseases, while surgical patients, premature babies, pregnant women and road accident victims all benefit from the incredible generosity of donors,” Ms Lagoudakis said.
Cardinia Shire Councillor Brett Owen is an experienced blood donor, having donated almost 50 times.
“Our regular donors are doing a fantastic job, coming back every 12 weeks to donate blood, however they can’t do it alone,” Ms Lagoudakis said.
Donating blood takes around an hour to complete but Ms Lagoudakis said taking blood only takes six to 12 minutes.
“The remainder of the time is completing medical paperwork, undergoing a medical check and of course enjoying the refreshments on offer after donating,” Ms Lagoudakis said.
Ms Lagoudakis describes the process as mostly pain free, with a small sting that lasts for a second.
“It’s very small but an amazing way to make a lifetime of difference to patients in need,” Ms Lagoudakis said.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is urging locals to roll up their sleeves and save lives by calling 13 14 95 to make an appointment or by visiting donateblood.com.au for more information.
