Tamworth emergency services donate blood for National Blood Donor Week

Local police, firefighters, and paramedics are in the midst of the Australian Red Cross emergency services blood challenge, which happens to coincide with National Blood Donor Week.

From June 14-21, attention and thanks is given to all Australians who take the time to donate blood to some of the most vulnerable.

Tamworth senior constable with the youth and crime prevention command, Andrena Sandison, has been donating blood since she was 18 years old, and she's not stopping anytime soon.

"It comes back to being someone that's healthy and well, and I appreciate the fact that I'm in good health and it's something that you can give back to your community," she said.

"The staff here are so welcoming and professional, and they take really good care of you."

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Tamworth Ambulance Service paramedic, Trevor Swain, said emergency services workers saw everyday in their line of work the traumas which people go through. He's given 94 donations of plasma in his time.

"It's not a big job for me to do, I think it's important if people can do it as much as they possibly can. It's just a good thing for the community," he told the Leader.

Tamworth Lifeblood Donor Centre's Janine Crowell said the beauty of donating was it allowed ordinary people to be extraordinary lifesavers.

"From cancer patients to road trauma victims, people with blood disorders to burns victims, donating underpins quality healthcare in Australia," Ms Crowell said.

"Donating feels great and it only takes an hour of your time. We're calling on Tamworth locals to make a change for life and become a donor."

Mr Swain said he came in once every three or four weeks.

"Give it a go - it's not painful. The more people we can get to donate, the better off the community will be," he said.

Call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au for more information.

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