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The 2021 Defence Blood Challenge has officially launched in Canberra, encouraging Defence members and their families, across Australia, to give blood or plasma and register their donation against their service tally.
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This year, Defence personnel would aim to give blood or plasma more than 10,500 times, according to Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld.
"One blood donation can save three lives and one plasma donation can be used to create 18 different life-saving treatments, helping people with serious burns, cancer or brain disease," AIRMSHL Hupfeld said.
"The demand for blood and plasma continues to grow, so there’s always more we can do. In 2020, more than 9,500 donations were made throughout the challenge.
"This year, we aim to roll up our sleeves 10,500 times to help those who rely on blood products to stay alive, or see them through a serious illness."
The Blood Challenge is not only a fun way to encourage blood and plasma donations, but is extremely beneficial for the Australian community, Sally Gavin from the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood added.
"Blood donation is an essential service and can still occur during COVID-19 lockdowns. Red Cross Lifeblood donor vans will work at a reduced capacity to ensure social distancing requirements are met," Gavin said.
"We are very grateful to the Department of Defence for their annual support."
The challenge has officially launched and will run until 8 December 2021.
Lifeblood Donor Centres adhere to strict COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocols with processes in place to protect donors and staff according to the Red Cross.
[Related: Joint Elbit-DoD review rebukes Defence’s handling of BMS]
