Queenslanders urged to roll up their sleeves in support of lifesaving blood drive
- The annual Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive has kicked off for 2025.
- The Crisafulli Government is encouraging as many Queenslanders as possible to donate blood and plasma between now and August 31.
- Fire, Ambulance, Police and SES workers from across the State are leading the push for crucial donations.
The Crisafulli Government is encouraging Queenslanders to roll up their sleeves in support of the annual Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive.
The drive will see workers from Ambulance, Fire, Police and SES sectors come together to donate as much blood and plasma as they can.
The three-month campaign, which runs from June 1 to August 31, provides a much-needed boost to blood and plasma stocks as many regular donors cancel or reschedule due to cold and flu during the winter months.
Leading by example are Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls, and Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland, who officially launched the challenge by donating blood alongside paramedics.
Minister Nicholls said blood and plasma donations were crucial to supporting patients across the State.
"From patients facing cancer, to those undergoing heart surgery and those who have suffered severe burns – there are many situations and conditions that require blood and plasma donations," Minister Nicholls said.
"I encourage as many Queenslanders as possible to roll up their sleeves and donate to the lifesaving Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Drive."
Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said the drive hit close to home for local emergency services workers who are regularly called out to road crashes and other trauma-related incidents.
"Our emergency services workers, who often face traumatic incidents that involve patients who will need a blood or plasma transfusion, are doing their bit and are donating as part of the drive," Ms Kirkland said.
"But you don't have to wear a uniform to save lives. People like you and me can also roll up their sleeves and donate lifesaving blood or plasma."
As demand for blood and plasma continues to increase at record levels, Lifeblood spokeswoman Belinda Smetioukh hopes the Queensland community will follow the lead of emergency services workers and book a donation.
"Every day, we issue close to 10,000 blood products and medications to hospitals around the country to meet patient demand, and we would love to see more people across Queensland support our Emergency Services and join our movement of donors," Ms Smetioukh said.
"If you're feeling healthy and well, and meet our eligibility criteria, we would love to see you."
"An hour of your time might give someone the rest of their life."
A blood appointment takes about an hour, with the donation itself only lasting up to 10 minutes, and blood can be donated every three months. A plasma appointment takes about hour and a half, with 40 minutes in the donor chair, and donations of plasma can be made every fortnight.
To make a donation, call 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or download the DonateBlood App.
