With three blood donations required every minute, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is calling on all Australians to donate blood as we head into the Easter Holidays.

As over a third of Australians planning to travel during April, Lifeblood is worried blood supplies are at risk of falling at a time when they may be needed the most. Just one blood donation being able to save up to three lives.

“Easter is traditionally a quiet time for us and throw in the fact that millions of Australians will be taking advantage of the public holidays and extended leave options, donation might not be top of mind,” said Lifeblood spokesperson Cath Stone.

Lifeblood issues more than 9,500 bags of blood, plasma and medications to Australian hospitals every day, and the need for blood doesn’t stop when the rest of Australia takes a holiday.

Dubbo is the only fixed donation site in the western area, with donor vans visiting other locations in our region at the end of May.

“Every time I go to Dubbo I try to donate blood,” said one western area resident.

“I know of people who donate plasma fortnightly. But whether it’s once a year or every month every little bit helps, so if I can help one person, I hope when or if the time comes, that someone can help me too."

As well as donating before travel, Lifeblood is asking people to consider making an appointment to donate on the way to their holiday destination or when they get there – if they are travelling within Australia.

“The great thing about our donor centre network is that there are more than 100 Lifeblood donation sites across the country so the opportunity to save a life is never too far away,” said Ms Stone.

“We’ve got donor centres in some very popular destinations, including the Gold Coast, Far North Queensland, northern and country NSW, the WA coast, and Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and High Country.

“Whether you’re heading off on a road trip or just taking some extra days off work, make your holiday your reason to donate, all while making a big difference to people who rely on blood products.”