The Ballarat Blood Donor Centre has urged people to give blood over the Melbourne Cup weekend, due to fears the holiday could result in supplies running low.
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The platelet component of blood collected in donations and used in the treatment of cancer patients only has a shelf-life of five days, leading to fears stocks of the ‘liquid gold’ could dry up over the period.
Blood service spokesperson Colin Littlejohn said the Ballarat Donor Centre still had 60 appointments to fill over coming days.
“We know that over major holidays we just don’t get enough people through and we’re worried about our stocks getting depleted,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we have to be concerned with a rise in car accidents over this (Melbourne Cup) period, so it’s important that people get down and donate.”
One-in-three Australia will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, but just one in 30 donates blood.
Donors can call the Red Cross on 13 14 95 to make an appointment, or book an appointment online.