When Carolyn Callaghan walked into the Maitland Blood Donor Centre on Monday it was to make her 500th donation.
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The milestone marked the opening of the new $1.6 million centre on Andrew Street, in the heart of the city.
“I have been donating blood for 50 years,” Ms Callaghan from Cessnock said.
“I have now made 500 donations, which equals 500 hours, or 20.83 days.
“I have spent less than three weeks of my life donating blood. It is nothing compared to the 1500 people I have helped.”
Ms Callaghan first donated blood when her grandfather was sick, but kept coming back because it was any easy way to help people.
More than 50 people dropped in at the new centre on Monday to donate and more than 7500 donations were expected to be made at the Maitland premises annually.
“The centre’s prime location and free parking will make donating easier for workers, shoppers, students and visitors,” blood service spokeswoman Jemma Falkenmire said.
“We’re issuing a call to arms for 800 new Maitland donors to help us meet the nation’s growing need for plasma, the golden-coloured part of blood used to make 18 different life-saving medications.”
Giving blood only takes one hour and every donation saves three lives.
The blood donations are used statewide by people such as cancer patients, people with immune deficiencies and newborn babies who all rely on life-saving treatments from blood and plasma.
“One in three people will require blood or blood products in their lifetime, but currently only one in 30 donates,” Ms Falkenmire said.
“If you are eligible to donate and want to help us save lives, please get in touch.”
The new Maitland Blood Donor Centre can be contacted on 131 495.