Lifeblood Champion
Yvonne Bowyer
My voluntary role as a Lifeblood Champion is to fly the flag for blood donation. Did you know that one in three Australians will need blood or blood products during their lifetime (33%), yet only 3% of Australians donate? New donors are always needed so please consider donating.
There have been recent changes to eligibility. From 14 July 2025, gay and bisexual men and anyone taking PrEP is now eligible to donate plasma. People who lived in the United Kingdom during the mad cow disease outbreak became eligible to donate blood from July 2022.
As a Lifeblood Champion I lead a small team, the Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Blood Donors. We are unique in that we have never met in person as I promote the team solely through a local Facebook group. At the end of the year, I provide data about how many lives we have saved, and in 2024 that was an impressive 126 lives saved. Not bad for 9 people. The group has now increased to 18 members but more are most welcome to join; just mention the team at your next donation.
Where to go to donate your blood
On 19 November 2024, a new permanent purpose-built facility became operational at 293 Camberwell Road, Camberwell (near Petbarn and the Camberwell Police Station). There are other such facilities at Ringwood and Mt Waverley.
If you wish to donate but are uncertain if you are eligible, please call Lifeblood on 13 14 95. If you are unable to donate, why not become an ally and spread the message to your family and friends.
For more information on Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, formerly known as Australian Red Cross Blood Service, go to their website here.