Māori are being encouraged to sign up as blood donors as part of today’s launch of the International Missing Type campaign.
The campaign hopes to raise awareness of type A and O blood types which are the most common blood types in New Zealand and to get people thinking about how they can contribute to the blood bank.
NZBS Marketing Coordinator Nephi Arthur says 9.8 per cent of donors are Māori.
He says Māori are sometimes reluctant to become donors due to misinformation but he says the process often isn’t as involved as believed.
He is encouraging Māori to speak with their families about some of the issues around blood donation and says information can be found on the NZBS website to help people with their decisions.
“Maybe thinking of people you know that have needed blood products will help with the decision making,” he says.
He says there is a constant need for new donors as often the numbers drop off due to a variety of reasons; from personal choice, to no longer meeting the eligibility criteria, or to ill health and retirement.
“There are many Maori in the health system that can really benefit from blood donations,” he says.
“You will get to help someone and get a cup of tea and chocolate biscuit at the end of it!”