Blood exhibition at festival

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service Travelling Exhibition visited the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival on November 8, giving visitors the opportunity to find out their blood type.

"We had a very busy day. There was always a line of people wanting to find out what blood group they are," Community relations officer Ms Jacqui Bell said.

"Across the day we tested 98 people's blood type, of which a large percent were Peninsula residents.

"Everyone who had their blood type tested was also given a bag filled with information about blood donation as well as either a Year of the Blood Donor hat, t-shirt, drink bottle or frisbee.

"We are now in the process of contacting all the people who found out their blood group to invite them to become blood donors, and help save the lives of someone in hospital with the same blood group as them.

"We are hoping many of the Peninsula residents become blood donors and donate regularly at our Woy Woy Donor Centre or on the donor mobile when it visits Deepwater Plaza."

Red Cross has found that 49 per cent of Australians have type O blood, 38 per cent have type A, 10 per cent have type B and just three per cent have type AB, according to Ms Bell.

"Anyone wanting to donate blood at Woy Woy on a Tuesday or a Wednesday can make an appointment by calling 131 495."

Press release, 10 Nov 2009 Jacqui Bell, Australian Red Cross Blood Service