It’s time to roll up those sleeves and give blood.
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The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is on its way to Bega from Monday, August 4 to Friday, August 8.
The mobile blood bank will be set up in the Littleton Gardens Bega Council car park.
Already 270 volunteer blood donors have booked in to donate in Bega, which will help save the lives of 810 Australians.
More Australians are being urged to get involved.
Blood Service spokesperson Jemma Falkenmire said while it’s known every donation saves lives, the overall impact goes further.
“Surgical patients, new mothers and people with cancer all rely on blood donations,” Miss Falkenmire said.
“One donation takes just one hour of your time and will make an amazing difference to the lives of others.
“A donation of blood has a ripple effect, from the person receiving the blood, right through to their family and friends.
“Blood donors help save the family and friends of patients needing blood from the inconceivable prospect of losing a loved one.”
One in 30 people give blood, but one in three people will need blood in their lifetime.
The Blood Service collected 1.32 million donations in 2013.
If you are fit, healthy and not suffering from a cold, flu or other illness you are able to give blood.
You also must be aged between 16-70 years and weigh more than 45kg.
It’s a good idea to hydrate before a donation, especially in warm weather and have at least three glasses of water or juice and eat in the three hours before donating.
Remember to take at least one form of photo identification with you.
It is recommended you make an appointment to donate blood so you are able to get in and out as quickly as possible and avoid missing out.
Contact the Australian Red Cross Blood Service on 13 14 95 to make an appointment or visit www.donateblood.com.au for more information.