Ongoing shortages of type O and A blood supplies have prompted an urgent call for an extra 12,000 people to donate immediately, as peak winter illness keeps donors away and emergency orders remain high.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood says recent appeals have prevented supplies falling to critical levels but have not been enough to replenish low supplies of O-positive and O-negative blood types, which are the types used in emergencies.
A-positive blood stocks have also dropped in recent weeks.
Around 8,000 units of blood, plasma and platelets are issued as urgent or life-threatening orders every month, meaning they must be dispatched within as little as 30 minutes to support patients in critical situations.
At the same time, winter illness is hindering donations.
A new Lifeblood survey found almost 40 per cent of Australians have recently experienced cold, flu or respiratory illness symptoms.
State breakdown of the additional donors needed:
- NATIONAL: Over 12,000
- VIC: 4,500
- NSW: 3,100
- QLD: 3,000
- WA: 1,300
- SA: 350
- ACT: 100
- NT: 50
- TAS: 50
To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood app.
