Council tops the charts for donating top drop

Today council was presented the annual Red Cross Lifeblood Teams award for ranking number one in the Mackay region for the most blood and plasma donations in 2023.

Council’s contributions were tracked as part of Red Cross Lifeblood Teams program, which saw staff from more than 299 local workplaces roll up their sleeves to give blood and plasma throughout the year.

Council’s team made more than 162 donations in 2023, helping to save more than 486 lives.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Scott Owen praised council employees for their generosity which has helped to save so many lives.

“Giving to the community is something that comes naturally to our staff – it's in their blood,” Mr Owen said.

“I would like to congratulate and thank all of our employees who rolled up their sleeves to give blood in 2023 – what an excellent effort,” he said.

“Collectively, workplaces in the Mackay region made more than 3096 donations in 2023 as part of the Lifeblood Teams program, helping to save more than 9288 lives – a huge achievement!” he said.

“We hope to see even more workplaces get involved this year, as every drop counts.”

Community Resilience Officer Davina Harrison said she enjoyed giving blood and plasma knowing that it quite literally saved lives.

“I have a rare blood condition which prevents me from safely having children, so I had to receive special medicine which is derived from plasma donations to allow me to have my four beautiful children,” Ms Harrison said.

“They would not be here today if I didn’t have access to the medicine which is only available due to the generous blood donations of others,” she said.

“So, donating regularly is something really important and practical that I can do, which I know makes a big difference to so many people.

“It’s quick, easy and relatively painless! I strongly encourage others to donate.”

Figures from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood show that one in three people will need blood in their lives, but only one in 30 people donate.

The annual Lifeblood Teams challenge starts again in April and runs until September.

If you’d like to become a donor or register your organisation as a team, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.

Red Cross Australia Lifeblood Regional Partnerships Account Manager, Jacinta Jeffrey presents council’s CEO Scott Owen with the Lifeblood Teams award for the Mackay region.