Porirua’s new permanent blood and plasma donor centre has opened, giving local donors a five-day-a-week base and making plasma donation available in the city for the first time.
New Zealand Blood Service opened the centre on 5 October after a blessing by Ngāti Toa Rangatira. NZBS staff member Aimee Kinzett became the first donor, supported by her husband Alex and daughter Prudence. Fellow staff member Ngaire Murray was also among the first people to donate.
NZBS Donor Relations Team Leader Sarah Field said Porirua’s mobile blood drives had received strong support.
“Now they have a permanent place to donate five days a week and, for the first time, the opportunity to donate plasma without having to leave Porirua. We hope it will encourage existing donors to donate more regularly and introduce a whole new group of people to plasma donation.”
Appointments are available now. Blood or plasma donations can be booked through the NZ Blood Service website, by calling 0800 448 325, or through the NZ Blood Service Donor App.