Rehabilitation Medical Director, Dr Sumitha Gounden a main organiser of the Red Love Campaign said, every year, staff and the community rally behind the Red Love initiative.
“It gives me great pleasure to commence the Red Love donation campaign. The initiative started at Orange Health Service in 2018, and throughout the years has expanded to include Dubbo and Bathurst. Together we have helped save thousands of lives. That’s absolutely amazing,” Dr Gounden said.
Blood Service spokesperson, Kristin Hellmrich said, Red Love is unique as many donors were healthcare professionals who could witness the benefit donated blood has to saving lives.
“The staff at these health services work with patients every day, many of whom will need donated blood or blood products,” Ms Hellmrich said.
The Red Love campaign helps to combat the seasonal drop in donors due to people having to cancel or reschedule appointments because of cold and flu symptoms.
“Each week, around 2000 donors across Australia amend their appointments due to sickness and it is expected to get worse in the coming weeks. We’d like to thank doctors, nurses, allied health staff, family and friends for keeping blood supplies flowing to patients who rely on them.”
“The main goal of Red Love is to increase the number of blood donations throughout the winter season when supplies are generally lower and demand can be high. I can’t wait to see how many lives we will be able to help save this year,” Dr Gounden said.
Individuals can make an appointment to donate this winter by calling 13 14 95, visiting lifeblood.com.au or the Donate Blood app and letting the service know you are part of the ‘Red Love’ campaign.