Defence saving lives through blood donation

On Wednesday night, the Department of Defence was recognised for its contribution to the Red Cross Blood Service initiative Red25 at an event at Old Parliament House in Canberra.

Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs accepted the Outstanding Achievement Award on behalf of all Defence personnel who took part in the initiative.

Defence APS staff were also recognised for achieving the Highest Number of Plasma Donations in the ACT.

“These awards are a testament to the outstanding commitment of our people in ensuring blood is always available for those who need it,” VADM Griggs said.

“One in three Australians will need blood or blood products at some point in their life and in 2016 Defence has helped the Blood Service save nearly 64,000 lives.

“This is a truly outstanding achievement.”

Red25 is a unique giving program by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service that unites workplaces, community groups, schools and universities around Australia to save lives through blood donation.

Together, Red25 members work towards ensuring that 25 per cent of Australia’s blood donations are secured.

In 2016, organisations that participated in Red25 collectively produced over 300,000 donations.

Sally Gavin, Community Relations Officer, Australian Red Cross Blood Service said that recognising and thanking Red25 organisations was very important.

“Defence understand that the need for blood continues all year round. They truly are in a league of their own.”

Each year Defence holds a Blood Challenge between September and December – in the lead up to the Christmas holiday–a time when demand for blood products is at its peak.

The 2016 Challenge produced 6991 whole blood, plasma and platelet donations nationally, an increase of almost 500 donations from the previous year.