Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks celebrated her 75th blood donation recently – contributing to saving a huge amount of lives.
Cr Binks said she began donating as a teenager, when she was 16 year’s old.
“I’ve been a regular donor ever since – some years I donate more than others,” Cr Binks said.
Cr Binks said she currently donates at the Wangaratta Life Blood Centre every fortnight, providing lifesaving plasma.
“If you haven’t donated yet, give it a go! The staff are so much fun and it’s a great way to contribute to the healthcare system and the lives of those who need blood products,” she said.
It is easy to find out if you are eligible to donate – simply visit lifeblood.com.au and take the eligibility quiz.
Recently, Lifeblood issued a media release stating more than 40 per cent of Australians ruled themselves out of donating blood and plasma when they may actually be eligible.
Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Experience, Cath Stone said there was a small pool of people supporting the whole country’s needs even though one in three people will need blood or blood products in their lifetime.
“More than 13 million additional Australians may be eligible to donate. Eligibility rules are regularly reviewed to reflect medical developments. Barriers that may have prevented people from donating in the past may not be an issue today,” she said.
Cr Binks said she was elated to receive a text message following her recent donation confirming it would be used to provide more than 18 life-giving treatments.
