INDEPENDENT NEWS

Magic blood saves lives

Published: Tue 1 Feb 2011 10:55 AM
Magic blood saves lives
The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic netball team has forged a special partnership with the New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) in order to recruit new blood donors during 2011. During 2010 first time donors dropped nationally by 18% at the same time as the demand for plasma increased by 30%.
Says Noeline Taurua Coach of the Magic, “we want our supporters all over the country to recognise the important role they can play in their communities by becoming blood donors. It’s a lifesaving contribution and one which we are only too pleased to do ourselves. Our team philosophy is about being winners on and off the netball court. Making a tangible contribution to our local supporters and the wider community is part of that.”
Says Paul Hayes, National Marketing and Communications Manager for the New Zealand Blood Service, “this is far more than a partnership agreement - it is a personal commitment from each of the players, coaches and management to help us get more people donating blood this year.
“Those who are eligible are also becoming donors themselves. You can’t get any more committed than that, and given they are such important role models we are confident others will follow their example.”
NZBS’s partnership with the Magic was launched at the Waikato Donor Centre on Tuesday 1 February with Magic player Casey Williams already a regular blood donor making her first plasma donation. People can donate plasma after having made at least one whole blood donation.
Casey was asked to donate plasma rather than whole blood to highlight the significant increase in need for plasma. The increasing requirement for plasma is being driven by an increase in demand for Intragam P, a medicine made from plasma that is used in a number of immune and autoimmune diseases.
“These women are inspiring individuals whose own example is sure to motivate others to follow suit. We need around 3,000 people from around the country to make a donation every week!” says Paul Hayes.
For those that are already blood donors, we encourage you to contact the NZBS about becoming a plasma donor. People who want to enquire about donating blood for the first time should visit www.nzblood.co.nz
or phone 0800 GIVE BLOOD to check if they are eligible to donate and they can also make an appointment to come in and donate.
This year, more than 42,000 people will need blood or blood products to help save their life. While there are currently over 23,000 active blood donors in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Region, (18% of the nation’s donors)* - more new donors are always needed.
ENDS

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