The Hunter needs hundreds of people to donate blood during the Christmas and New Year break.
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The Red Cross Blood Service has launched its national Christmas Blood Blitz to help fill the appointments at donor centres between now and January 2.
Every year the silly season causes a shortage of blood products that are vital to the treatment of cancer and trauma patients. As donors are busy over Christmas, shopping and going on holidays, there is a worrying drop in donor numbers.
In Maitland alone, more than 150 people are needed to donate blood in order to keep up with demand.
“Cancer patients are the biggest users of donated blood and rely on platelets to make it through chemotherapy,” Australian Red Cross Blood Service spokesman Brian Bruce said
“The problem is platelets cannot be stock-piled, so we need a constant, fresh supply as anything collected by Christmas Day will have expired or run-out early next week.”
Mr Bruce said a blood donation was a gift that money couldn’t buy because it gave sick people time to spend with their loved ones over Christmas.
Make an appointment to give blood by calling 13 14 95 or visiting www.donateblood.com.au13 14 95