2017 Defence Blood Challenge launch

Defence has officially launched the 2017 Defence Blood Challenge, aiming to exceed 7,000 donations in 2017.

The 2017 challenge was launched by the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett and the Australian Red Cross Blood Service Executive Director, Dr Frances Guyett at a ceremony.

The three month long event pits the Army, Navy, Air Force and Defence Public Servants against each other in an effort to strengthen Australia’s blood supplies and support the Australian community.

The four groups will compete to collect the greatest number of whole blood, plasma and platelet donations.

“Blood donation is vitally important to Defence as blood supplies are critical to Defence personnel on operations, exercises and to all members of the Defence community in their daily life,” Vice Admiral Barrett said.

Dr Guyett called on Defence personnel and their families to ensure every donation counts by registering to a Defence Red25 group such as Army, Navy, Air Force and Defence Public Servants.

“We hope, this year’s Defence Blood Challenge will be the most successful yet, so I encourage all eligible personnel to roll up their sleeves, donate and register their donation with Red25 to ensure your donation counts,” Dr Guyett said.

It’s estimated that 30,000 donations have been made by Defence personnel during blood challenges since 2009; saving more than 90,000 lives.

For more information on the Defence Blood Challenge, and to register, visit the blood service Defence Blood Challenge 2017 page: https://www.donateblood.com.au/red25/defence