Albury City Council CEO Frank Zaknich kicks off the annual Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Local Government Blood Drive. Photo: Minerva Taylor.
Frank Zaknich has two very personal reasons for why he regularly rolls up his sleeves to donate blood.
The Albury Council CEO revealed his mother and sister were diagnosed with blood cancer in the early 2000s, which galvanised his awareness of the vital importance of becoming a donor.
It’s also one of the reasons Mr Zaknich was one of the first to put up his hand to help kickstart the annual Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Local Government Blood Drive on 1 July.
He marked the occasion with his 71st donation at the Albury Donor Centre, joined by staff from councils on both sides of the Border who are aiming to collectively donate as much blood and plasma as they can until the start of September.
“I’m proud to be joining colleagues and community members for this year’s local government blood drive,” Mr Zaknich said as he settled back for a plasma donation on the day.
“Donating blood is a small act that can make a profound difference to someone’s life.”
While Mr Zaknich and his Wodonga Council counterpart Matthew Hyde are long-time donors, the pair has encouraged not only local council staff but community members across the region to get on board – especially if they’ve never donated before.
“If you are able or eligible to donate, it’s a great way to support your family, your community and your workplace,” Mr Zaknich said.
His top tip for new donors is to ensure you refuel afterwards and rehydrate with plenty of fluids beforehand.
He particularly enjoys the fact Lifeblood sends donors a text message straight after they’ve donated to let them know how and where their blood is being used.
“It’s a really heartwarming reminder of the contribution you are making and also encourages you to keep coming back,” Mr Zaknich said.
Lifeblood is hoping more than 6600 donations will be made nationally throughout the blood drive before it wraps up on 30 September.
Last year locals clocked up almost 80 donations. Given one donation saves up to three lives, that’s up to 240 lives saved thanks to the generosity of the Border community.
Lifeblood spokesperson Shae Burns said it was fantastic local government organisations came together in this way, showing they were the heart of our community.
“We know both councils have many incredible donors already and we look forward to welcoming first-time donors who are inspired to donate as part of this blood drive too,” Ms Burns said.
“New blood donors are always needed, especially during winter.
“At this time of year many of our regular donors are sick with colds and flu, but the need for blood doesn’t stop.”
The demand for blood products is increasing as the population continues to grow, according to the organisation.
Every week, Lifeblood needs 33,000 blood donations to meet patient needs. At Albury, more than 90 donations are still needed in the next two weeks to meet demand.
In Australia, you can donate whole blood every 12 weeks, while plasma can be donated fortnightly, Ms Burns said.
“Many people don’t realise that blood only has a shelf life of 42 days and platelets seven days so the need can change daily as we monitor blood supplies,” she said.
“Plasma, which can be made into 18 life-giving products, can be frozen and stored for up to a year.
“We are extremely lucky that we have a brilliant community here who rally and come on in whenever we put the call out but we hope to see more people becoming regular donors.”
Cancer treatment, emergency surgery, road trauma and bleeding during childbirth are some of the most common uses for donated blood in Australia.
“With one in three people needing blood in their lifetime, you never know when it might be a family member, a neighbour or someone from your community who needs it,” Ms Burns said.
“Every drop counts and all it takes is an hour of your time.”
To make an appointment to give blood call 13 14 95, visit www.donateblood.com.au or book on the Donate Blood app.
