Richmond Police District Superintendent Scott Tanner and the wider NSW Police force will give local blood and plasma supplies a vital boost from today (1 Dec) when they donate as part of an annual blood donation drive… over the next 3 months.

The ‘Bleed4Blue’ blood drive launched in 2018 following the stabbing of NSW Detective Sergeant John Breda on Australia Day 2018. More than 100 bags of blood were needed to keep him alive.

Now in its fourth year, police employees, family, friends, and the community around the country are encouraged to visit a Lifeblood donor centre or ‘pop up’ before the end of February to donate life-saving blood products.

Supertintendent Tanner told the Lismore App "As an emergency service organisation we see first hand the impact that blood donations have. This is us, as police, looking after the community. It's always a good opportunity to give back."

With the need for blood and plasma at an all-time high, Lifeblood spokesperson Scott Morrison said blood drives provide life-saving donations.

“Currently we need 60 blood donations at the Ballina “pop up” donor centre this week to help meet patient need for donated blood,” Scott said.

“You don’t need to be a police officer to save lives, anyone can donate as part of the bleed for blue blood drive.”

Scott Morrison has thanked police officers for saving lives on and off the beat.

“Police officers are often the first responders to accidents and see first-hand the need for blood donations.

“One in three of us will need blood or blood products in our lifetime.

“It could be a family member, a neighbour, or even your local community police officer whose life you could be saving with your blood donation.

“Donated blood only lasts for 42 days so we need a constant supply of donations.

“Don’t wait until it’s urgent, book your donation today and help save lives.”

The ‘Bleed4Blue’ campaign runs from 1 December until the end of February 2023 and will again challenge police from across Australia to take part to see which state or territory can donate the most blood and plasma. 

To book a donation call 13 14 95 visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.

The Lismore Blood Donor centre reopens on Monday 12 December and you can book now.