Bunbury Blood Donor Centre kicks off Easter blood drive

The Bunbury Blood Donor Centre has launched a blood drive this week in the hope of addressing low appointment numbers in the lead up to Easter and Anzac Day.

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service requires 90 extra donors over the next three weeks at Bunbury centre to bolster supplies for cancer and road trauma patients.

Blood Service spokeswoman Gina Tracey said Easter was one of the most challenging times of the year to collect blood.

She said the need for blood never subsided but numbers were traditionally lower at this time of year.

“A component of blood called platelets has a shelf life of only five days, so it’s important that blood is donated over and immediately after the Easter break,” she said.

“Cancer patients in particular rely upon platelets to help them through their chemotherapy treatments.

“That’s why we need 90 Bunbury residents to make an appointment to give blood before the end of April at Bunbury Donor Centre.”

She said that donors were particularly in need on Easter Monday as less than 10 people had booked in to donate.

The centre will be closed on Easter Friday and Sunday then open from 7am to 1pm on Easter Monday.

To book an appointment call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au .