Bloody good cause for blood donation

ROCKINGHAM needs 600 more blood donors this month due to a seasonal drop in donors able to give blood.

Local police officers were out in force to give back to the community by donating blood at the Rockingham donor centre on Read Street.

They are part of a challenge across Perth to see which emergency service, out of the police, State Emergency Service, fire fighters and St John Ambulance, can donate the most blood.

They hope the challenge will not only boost bloodstocks but encourage others in the community to donate.

After an extensive interview process, Sergeant Dayna Rigoir was told she must wait one more month, delayed by an overseas trip earlier in the year.

There is a four-month deferral for people who have visited malaria-prone countries but she is still keen to make her first donation in July.

“I received two blood transfusions after surgery last year and when the challenge came out I thought I’d donate,” Sgt Rigoir said.

Officer In Charge Senior Sergeant Stuart Mearns’ donation lasted less than six and a half minutes and he’s been donating for the past year or so.

“I donated years ago but when I was transferred to the bush it made it hard,” he said.

“It’s a very simple thing you can do to help the community.”

Sergeant Dave Tadic began donating blood when he was in the military and continued in various parts of WA until mobile facilities closed.

He resumed his donations by joining the challenge today.

Red Cross Blood Service spokeswoman Jessica Willet said winter was always a difficult time for blood donations because people had to be feeling 100 per cent well to donate and because of colds and flu planned donations were often cancelled.

“If you’ve escaped the cold and flu season and are feeling 100 per cent healthy you may be eligible to donate,” she said.

To donate call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au.