Go for Gold: Olympic legends call for 15,000 plasma donations as shortfall impacts supply

Australian Olympic greats are joining forces with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood in a nationwide call for plasma donors, with 15,000 donations needed this month to recover a post-winter shortfall.

The call coincides with International Plasma Awareness Week (IPAW, 5-9 October) and the launch of Lifeblood’s “Go for Gold. Give Plasma.” campaign featuring Lifeblood Ambassador and plasma recipient Michael Klim alongside fellow Olympians Cathy Freeman, Ian Thorpe, Cooper Woods and Cate Campbell rallying Australians to donate plasma.

The plasma donation shortfall comes as a prolonged winter illness season continues to keep donors away, with the number of appointments made in early September the lowest this year. Lifeblood now needs more people to donate to protect the supply of plasma medicines and transfusions for patients across the country.

With plasma Australia’s most-needed type of blood donation, Michael Klim is issuing a call to arms for people to give their “liquid gold” and help patients like him who rely on plasma.

“Most people don’t know that plasma-derived medicines help people like me manage serious health conditions and make everyday life possible,” Michael said.

“If you are eligible and well, please book an appointment now. Your donation could help someone like me.”

Australian Olympic Committee Chief of Olympian Support, Daniel Kowalski, thanked Australia’s Olympians for advocating and generously lending their support to this campaign. 

“Olympians inspire us through their commitment to sport and a willingness to show up for their teammates and others. These are qualities that exist in communities right across our nation, and all Australians can demonstrate by donating much-needed plasma,” Daniel said.

Australia is one of the world’s top three users of immunoglobulin per capita. Michael Klim receives intravenous immunoglobulin (or IVIg) every month, with each treatment requiring up to 25 plasma donations.

Plasma and plasma medications help support people with immune deficiencies and bleeding disorders, as well as cancer and trauma patients, people undergoing surgery, and women in pregnancy.

Lifeblood Chief Customer Officer Cath Stone said fewer than one per cent of people in Australia donate plasma, despite millions being eligible. 

“With demand continuing to rise and more than 8,100 plasma medicines and transfusions supplied to Australian hospitals every day, we need more people to book a donation now and make plasma donation part of their regular routine,” Cath said.

“You do not need to be an Olympian to do something extraordinary. Donating plasma is a practical way to give back and help patients across the country.”

To highlight the lifesaving impact of plasma donation during IPAW, Olympians Cathy Freeman and Cate Campbell are turning Olympic inspiration into action and will join regular plasma donors who are rolling up their sleeves at Lifeblood Melbourne CBD Donor Centre on Thursday 8 October.

“Gold medals can inspire a nation, but plasma can help save one,” Cath added.

“We are asking Australians to show the same qualities we admire in our Olympians: commitment, generosity and a willingness to show up for others by donating much-needed plasma now.”

Lifeblood is encouraging eligible Australians who are feeling well to “Go for Gold. Give Plasma.” by booking a plasma donation during International Plasma Awareness Week and beyond. Call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood app.