A local blood donor has reached an impressive milestone.
Geelong’s Jocelyn McMillan recorded her 600th blood and plasma donation after 55 years of giving blood.
“I am very lucky to have never needed blood, but I’ve had lots of friends need it during cancer treatment, and especially during childbirth,” Ms McMillan said.
“My children used to watch me donate when they were tiny tots years ago, and they’ve both grown up to be committed donors themselves.”
Lifeblood’s Aania Tandon said she hoped Ms McMillan’s milestone would inspire others in the community to follow in her footsteps.
“The main users of blood and blood products include people undergoing cancer treatment, women giving birth, trauma victims and people with blood disorders and immune conditions,” Ms Tandon said.
“Jocelyn has helped to save lives and improve the quality of life for so many through her ongoing generosity”.
“We need 150 more donors in the next two weeks to fill appointments at Lifeblood’s Geelong donor centre. If you’ve never donated before, this is a great time to give it a go.”
Blood donation appointments take an hour, with the donation itself only lasting 10 minutes, while plasma donations take thirty minutes more.
“This year, we need 100,000 new donors around the country to keep up with the increasing hospital demand for blood and plasma,” Ms Tandon said.
“An hour of your time might give someone the rest of their life. You never know whose life you might be saving.”
Lifeblood’s Geelong donor centre on Level 1/237 Ryrie St is open seven days a week. Book an appointment on 13 14 95, online at lifeblood.com.au or on the Lifeblood app.
