The New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) has thanked the country’s donors after reaching one of its highest-ever summer collection targets.
NZBS encourages people to keep donating to continue this summer’s momentum. With more than 18,000 appointments yet to be filled across summer nationally, there are still donations to be given.
Notably, the Waikato region hit an all-time weekly high of 1,050 blood donations. The Central region set a new weekly record with 506 donations as well.
Between December 11 and January 14, more than 21,000 units of blood, plasma and platelets were collected across New Zealand.
That’s an almost 59 percent increase during the same period from 2022 to 2023.
As some people rolled out their towels, others rolled up their sleeves, and we are extremely grateful for everyone who donated, NZBS National Marketing and Communications Manager Asuka Burge says.
December is an exceptionally busy period with the Christmas rush, and January is when people are getting back from their holidays, so the fact that we were able to reach our collection targets for blood is absolutely amazing.
The public response has been phenomenal, and the number of donations in some regions was the highest we’ve ever seen over the holiday season. Our regular donors continued to step up, but we also saw familiar faces returning after some time off, as well as a surge of newcomers.
Our stocks for blood have remained consistently high, a testament to the kindness and generosity of our donor whānau.
Blood only lasts 35 days, and the need for plasma is growing by 10 percent a year, so we need ongoing donations of both types to have a continuous supply, says Ms Burge.
The easiest way to donate is by downloading the NZ Blood Service Donor App. It lets you check your eligibility, find a nearby location and book an appointment.
The app will also notify donors when their donation has been used. It’s a very rewarding feeling knowing that the hour you took out of your day to donate helped save a life.
Please if you haven’t already, join our whānau of lifesavers. The need for blood or plasma never stops, no matter the time of year.
Between December 11 and January 14, a total of 11,669 blood donations, 9,309 plasma donations, and 304 platelet donations were collected.
During this period, the summer collection achieved several significant milestones.
On December 13, 2023, a national record was set for the highest number of blood donations on a Wednesday, with a remarkable total of 778 donations made throughout the country.
In the week of December 18-23, 2023, both the Waikato region, with 1050 donations, and the Central region, with 506 donations, reached their highest weekly blood donation totals ever recorded.
This contributed to a national tally of 3162 donations for the week, establishing a new national record for the most blood donations collected in a single week.
The regions of North Shore, Epsom, and Manukau achieved an unprecedented peak in Friday blood donations on December 29, 2023, with a combined total of 224 donations.
Simultaneously, the Central North Island region also reached a record with 83 donations.
On January 9, 2024, the Christchurch and Dunedin regions set a new benchmark for the most plasma donations on a Tuesday, with a collective total of 156 contributions.
While these achievements are noteworthy, the ongoing demand for blood and plasma remains a critical concern.
The New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) emphasises the importance of continued donations to ensure adequate supply levels.
To consistently meet the year-round demand, over 5000 donations are required each week. Currently, there are 18,095 available appointment slots across New Zealand leading up to mid-February, offering ample opportunities for donors to contribute.
Download the NZ Blood Service Donor App, visit www.nzblood.co.nz or call 0800 448 325 to book an appointment to donate.
For additional insights on blood donations, explore “Should Kiwis be paid to donate blood“.