By Olivia Roberts, 15 March, 2011
The amount of donated blood is diminishing in Australia each year, reports the Australian Red Cross.
This is a big problem at Easter, particularly when car accidents increase, says Ros Mulcahy, spokeswoman for the Red Cross.
Currently only three percent of people in Australia donate blood, when more than 30 percent of people need blood transfusions in their lifetime current statistics from Red Cross show.
This week 62-year old Tuart Hills man, Robert Jones, is marking the fact he has donated enough blood to save the lives of 600 people.
This volunteer from the Perth Blood Donating Centre reached the milestone after donating blood 200 times on March 2 since the 1960s.
“Now I am not a kid, what else can I do?” Mr Jones said.
When he turned 18, he says, he looked at it as an opportunity to take advantage of becoming legal age.
During 2011, Mr Jones was called in as frequently as possible to give more of his blood.
He is very well aware of the current issue and is looking at ways to help promote the cause.
“If what I do can inspire one person to volunteer also, it is worth it,” Mr Jones said.
“Attend blood drives; come in with friends, visit mobile blood collection units, we’re everywhere,” he said.
Currently only minimal amounts of blood are being donated as Australians presume that blood will always be available.
This however is not the case as the count of ‘O negative’ blood type in Australian hospitals is almost inexistent.
“There is currently only enough O negative blood to last 1.2 days,” Ms Malcahy said.
“The demand for plasma is expected to double in the next 10 years due to developments in medical treatments.
"Meaning more plasma donors are always needed to meet this rapidly increasing demand.”
Blood donations cannot stop now, she says.
If anything we will be needed more donations to pick up for the drop over the past few years, said Ms Malcahy.
She says to find out more about blood donations or how to donate call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au
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