The life-saving vampires are here
The people who want your blood are back and, no, they’re not vampires.
The NZ Blood Service’s blood drive is returning to Hawera, thanks to the continued support from the district.
Of the four visits the NZ Blood Service has made here in the past 12 months, 457 people have attended and 394 units of blood collected, potentially saving over 1000 lives.
However, there’s still a need for new blood donors to participate in the drive on March 29.
Red blood cells only last 35 days so a continual supply is required to help those patients in hospital who require blood and blood products on a daily basis.
A single donation of blood can help save the life of up to three people and 29% of all donated blood goes to cancer patients. It isn’t every day you can do something to save someone’s life - but that’s exactly what you do every time you donate blood.
The first voluntary blood donation was recorded in New Zealand in 1925 in Auckland after an advertisement was placed in the local paper by the Medical Superintendent of Auckland Hospital.
Those who responded were tested for blood type and a panel of about 14 donors was established.
To be able to donate blood you must be be fit and well and between 16 and 65 years of age, and weigh over 50kg.
There is a six-month stand down after having a tattoo or piercing.
If you have been in the UK, France, or Ireland from 1980 to 1996 for six months or more you are unable to donate because of Mad Cow outbreak during that period.
NZ Blood Service is at the TSB Hub on Camberwell Road, Thursday March 29 8am - 2pm. Contact 0800 448 325 for an appointment.