The University’s Red25 blood donation group has been recognised for achieving the second highest blood donation tally in South Australia – and saving 4,065 lives in the process.

Flinders came second in the community category and third nationally in the Australian Red Cross Blood Service awards.

The Service is in particular need of blood donors for the Adelaide Cup Day public holiday on Monday 13 March.

Flinders staff and students made 1,355 donations last year as part of the Red25 annual challenge held by the Blood Service – saving the lives of 4,065 people needing blood products, including much needed plasma.

Flinders’ Red25 group was five donations short of the University of South Australia, which took out second place in the national tally under the community category.

The Flinders University Red25 group also picked up a regional award for second highest community blood donation group in South Australia.

Red25 is the donation program of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service which aims to rally corporate, government and community organisations and groups together to achieve 25 per cent of the annual blood donations needed by Australians.

The Blood Service is always in need of new donors to help combat seasonal donor shortages around long-weekends, including the upcoming Adelaide Cup public holiday and Easter, and especially during the cold and flu season.

Last year, 1,062 Red25 groups from South Australia made 38,132 donations, collectively saving the lives of 114,396 Australian patients needing blood products, including those suffering from cancer and blood diseases and blood loss through trauma, surgery and childbirth.

To join the Flinders University Red25 group call the Red25 team on 1300 886 524 or visit www.donateblood.com.au/red25. Or to make an appointment call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au