Blood Challenge rolls around again

 

Each year as winter rolls around, so too does the Red Cross Lifeblood Emergency Services Blood Challenge.

 

Held annually between 1 June and 31 August, the challenge is a great opportunity for CFA members, friends and family to roll up their sleeves for a good cause.

The challenge also provides a unique opportunity for a bit of friendly competition with our fellow emergency services members, with our colleagues from Victoria Police, SES, Fire Rescue Victoria, Ambulance Victoria taking part.

The challenge was officially launched today, Thursday 2 June at the Melbourne Donor Centre in the CBD. South Morang Fire Brigade volunteer Andrew Rouch and Deputy Chief Officer Kaylene Jones were in attendance at the centre.

About one in three Australians will need blood in their lifetime but only one in 30 people donate blood on a regular basis. Each whole blood donation can potentially save three lives.

Donated red blood cells are given to certain patients with cancer and blood diseases, stomach and kidney diseases, anaemia and many more. There are also unique applications for plasma and platelet donations. Plasma donations can be used to treat 18 different medical conditions including serious burns and brain and nerve diseases. Plasma is also used to support people with cancer through their chemotherapy treatment.

Our people have an amazing capacity and willingness to give back and help others. In last year’s challenge CFA volunteers, staff, friends and family across the state donated an incredible 1,209 times. This included 451 whole blood, 719 plasma and 37 platelet donations. These donations had the potential to save a total 3,627 lives.

This year we’re aiming high, hoping to build on last year’s result and save even more lives in the process.

It's important that you make your donation count by ensuring you’re signed up to and donating towards team CFA

1. Ring 13 14 95 or go online to make a blood donation appointment for between 1 June – 31 August.

2. Join Lifeblood Team: Country Fire Authority (VIC) here or in the donor centre, to ensure your donation is added to our tally.

You can also keep up with our tally on the Lifeblood website, or find out more about the challenge here.

Every blood donation counts. And with the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on regular blood donations, it’s more important that event to book an appointment to donate.

We encourage all members to roll up their sleeves and get involved in this year’s Emergency Services Blood Challenge. Let’s save lives.

Acting CEO Jason Heffernan

Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook

 

Submitted by	Acting CEO Jason Heffernan & Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook