The Blood Service is calling on holidaymakers to make donating blood or plasma one of their summer holiday activities with family or friends.
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A spokesperson, Asuka Burge, says blood is always in demand, and 3000 more plasma donors are currently needed.
Demand is soaring for blood plasma as new treatments that require it are more widely used .
The number of donations usually dropped off during the holiday season, but the need remained the same, Burge said.
The service is running a "Team Red" promotion encouraging groups of three or more people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood together.
Burge said it was not only rewarding but a good chance for family members to spend time together doing something meaningful.
Donating plasma takes about an hour, and collection centres around the country are open every day except public holidays.
Plasma was often used to treat immune system diseases, and could save the lives of adults, children and babies, Burge said.
Healthy people 15 and over can donate blood.
Collection point locations can be found via the Blood Service website.
