Daily, one in three patients requires blood in Naracoorte, and they need the public’s support to ensure there is enough supply.

The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood says the demand for blood in Naracoorte and its surrounding towns was at its highest level in a decade and needed the community to make blood donation a regular, life-saving habit.

Lifeblood spokesperson Zoe Ross told this newspaper that every blood donation or blood product made a huge difference to patients in need, saving up to three lives in a day.

Ms Ross said that like the whole of Australia, blood and blood products were needed and used by patients in Naracoorte for surgery, people with blood disorders, women in childbirth, and people undergoing cancer treatment.

Lifeblood partnered with the Naracoorte-Lucindale Council in August for this year’s national blood drive initiative.

“A big thank you to all the generous people in Naracoorte and surrounds who have rallied together to donate blood as part of this year’s local government blood drive. It is wonderful to see the Naracoorte Lucindale Council get involved in this national initiative,” Ms Ross said.

“We were excited to see more than 100 regular donors along with 11 new donors roll up a sleeve to donate at the Naracoorte Town Hall pop-up donor centre last week (August 24).

“With the demand for blood at its highest level in a decade, we need more people to make blood donation a regular, life-saving habit.”

She said Naracoorte was gearing up for its next blood drive in November.

“I encourage the local community to follow their lead and book a donation for the next Lifeblood donor centre visit from November 20 to 23 (in Naracoorte) if they can.

“To make an appointment, call 13 14 95, or visit lifeblood.com.au or the Lifeblood app.”

The November pop-up blood drive will be held at the Naracoorte Town Hall Function Centre, 95 Smith Street.

Blood facts:

• Australia needs more than 33,000 donations every week to meet demand.
• One donation can save up to three lives.
• Just over 3.7 percent of people in Australia donate blood.
• Cancer patients, as a group, are the biggest recipients of blood and blood products in Australia.
• If you are between 18 and 75 years old and are feeling well, you may be able to donate.

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.