Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued a call to the community for increased plasma donations, coinciding with International Plasma Awareness Week, which takes place from October 6th to 10th, amid heightened demand.
Two-year-old Joey, the only child in Australia diagnosed with severe Factor V deficiency, a rare bleeding disorder affecting only one in a million people, is someone who relies on regular plasma treatments to prevent life-threatening internal bleeding incidents. His mother, Alexandria, shared, “Plasma is his entire life. He’s able to be a rambunctious little toddler because of it. Without plasma, even a simple fall could be catastrophic.”
Joey was diagnosed at just four months old, and undergoes plasma treatment via a surgically implanted port in his chest, a procedure that enables him to lead a primarily normal life. Dr. Sally Campbell, a Paediatric Haematologist at Queensland Children’s Hospital, shared, “Joey is truly one in a million. Without plasma, he faces the risk of serious internal bleeding, including into his brain. Access to donor plasma has been life-changing for him and his family.”
“We are incredibly privileged in Australia to have such generous plasma donors. Plasma is a powerful product—and for patients like Joey, it’s absolutely essential.”
Plasma plays a vital role not only for children like Joey but also for thousands of other Australians. It is rich in antibodies that protect individuals with weakened immune systems and contains proteins essential in supporting cancer treatments, preventing severe complications in pregnancy, and stopping excessive blood loss.
Stuart Chesneau, Executive Director Strategy and Growth at Lifeblood, added, “Australia is one of the top three users of plasma medications per capita in the world. Yet fewer than one per cent of Australians donate plasma, even though we estimate more than 10 million are eligible.
“We need 900 extra plasma donors every day this month to help meet demand and support patients like Joey.”
Lifeblood supplies over 6,500 plasma medicines and transfusions to hospitals daily. Individuals can donate plasma every two weeks, making it an ongoing opportunity to contribute significantly to the health needs of others.
The urgency of the current situation offers a chance for all eligible and healthy Australians to consider becoming plasma donors.
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