Former Australian Olympic athletes have teamed up with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to encourage plasma donations across the country. The appeal aims to address a recent shortfall in plasma supply following the winter months, with Lifeblood seeking 15,000 donations throughout October.

The campaign, titled Go for Gold. Give Plasma., features prominent sporting figures including Olympic gold medalists Michael Klim, Cathy Freeman, Ian Thorpe, Cooper Woods, and Cate Campbell. Klim, who is both a Lifeblood ambassador and a plasma recipient, is among those promoting the campaign.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood emphasized the critical role plasma plays in producing life-saving therapies for patients with rare and chronic conditions. The organization noted that plasma is a different component of blood that requires regular donations to maintain adequate treatment supplies.

The Winter period typically sees a decline in donor numbers, contributing to current supply challenges. Lifeblood has urged healthy Australians aged between 18 and 75 to consider donating plasma to help replenish stock and support ongoing medical needs.

Through the campaign, Olympians hope their public profiles will inspire more individuals to participate in plasma donation, underscoring the community impact of these donations beyond traditional whole blood giving.

Donations can be made at any participating Lifeblood donor centre nationwide, with the organization highlighting that plasma collection sessions generally take longer than whole blood donations but remain a straightforward process.

The initiative reflects ongoing efforts by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to meet increasing demand for plasma-derived therapies, particularly as awareness of plasma donation’s importance grows in the healthcare sector.