Committed Blood Donors Hailed as Heroes

The New Zealand Blood Service is sending a special thanks to the more than 17,000 Kiwis aged 50+ who give blood on a regular basis.
 
“New Zealanders in this age group make a significant contribution to our health services. Not only do they represent nearly 20% of active blood donors, many have been committed donors throughout their life,” explains New Zealand Blood Service Marketing and Communication Manager Paul Hayes.
 
Around 42,000 people need donated blood each year, and the Blood Service must collect 3,000 donations every week to meet that demand.
 
“In a developed country like New Zealand, we can often take for granted the ease of access to blood and blood products, but in the end it is only available thanks to the continuous contributions made every day by blood donors.”
 
“We realise donors are often humble about their generosity, but we really do see all our donors as true heroes.”
 
Because one donation can help save up to three lives, if someone began donating just once a year from age 16, they could help save around 165 people’s lives in their lifetime.
 
“We have a growing number of donors who have reached donation milestones, such as 100 or more donations, thanks to dedication over time. We hope this is a tradition more will take on, and that will be passed on to the younger generation.”
 
Pending you meet other eligibility criteria, new donors are accepted from their 16th birthday up to their 66th birthday, and regular donors are accepted up to their 71st birthday. You may be able to donate up to four times a year, and even more often if you move on to plasma or platelet donation panels.
 
Please register to donate or make an appointment, at www.nzblood.co.nz or on 0800 GIVE BLOOD.