An annual blood drive linked to local government has spurred on the competitive spirit in Tamworth, with Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb wanting the city to meet or beat last year’s efforts of the third highest donations in the country.
Tamworth Regional Council is urging Council employees and residents of the wider Tamworth community to take part in the 2023 Local Government Blood Drive. Launching on 1 July, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood’s Local Government Blood Drive will see employees, councillors, and community members rally together to donate blood and plasma in donor centres across the country.
Lifeblood is hoping more than 200 donations will be made in Tamworth throughout the three-month drive before it wraps up on September 30. In addition to promoting Council staff involvement, Mayor Webb is calling on the wider community to support blood and plasma donations during this time at the Tamworth Donor Centre.
“We’re asking our employees and the Tamworth community to come together to make a real impact over the next three months.”
“With 1 in 3 people needing blood in their lifetime, you never know when it might be a family member, a neighbour or a friend who needs it,” Cr Webb said.
“Last year, Tamworth Regional Council donors contributed more than 160 donations of blood and plasma to the blood drive, saving 480 lives.”
“We contributed the third highest number of donations nationally and we can do it again.”
“We hope to save even more lives this year. Every drop counts and all it takes is an hour out of your day”, he said.
Lifeblood spokesperson Scott Morrison said new blood donors were always needed, especially during winter.
“At this time of year many of our regular donors are sick with colds and flu, but the need for blood doesn’t take a sickie, so we need new donors to step up and take their place,” Scott said.
“Whether you work for a local government organisation, volunteer for one, or live within a local government area, there’s three Australians out there that will benefit from your blood donation.”
To book a donation either as a group or individual, visit call 13 14 95, download the Donate Blood app or visit https://www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/making-your-donation
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