Kris Askew (Maylands) and EN Sandy Janssens. Perth Blood Donor Centre needs 850 people to donate plasma over the next month.
Camera IconKris Askew (Maylands) and EN Sandy Janssens. Perth Blood Donor Centre needs 850 people to donate plasma over the next month. Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie www.communitypix.com.au d487772

Perth: 850 plasma donations needed to keep supplies steady

Jessica WarrinerEastern Reporter

LOCALS are being called on to help keep Perth’s plasma supplies steady.

The Perth Blood Donor Centre needs 850 people to donate plasma in the next month to support thousands of Australians.

Plasma can be used in 18 different ways, with each donation helping to treat people suffering from cancer or serious burns, protect people with brain or blood disorders, and protect children from chicken pox.

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Maylands resident Kris Askew was in the centre on Tuesday to make his first plasma donation.

He said it was important people kept helping out others in the community in this way.

“This is the kind of thing we can’t let go,” he said.

“You could turn around and need it yourself.”

Blood Service spokeswoman Jessica Willet said the whole appointment takes about 1.5 hours and you can donate every two weeks.

“Plasma is a versatile part of your blood, so you can really unlock your blood’s full potential by giving a plasma donation,” she said.

Demand for plasma is growing every year, with a variety of factors like improvements in the detection of some health conditions, an aging population and the high standard of healthcare in Australia thought to be behind the growth.

To make an appointment or learn more about donating plasma, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.