Australians are being asked to roll up their sleeves as reserves of most blood types reach a critical level, prompting Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to issue an urgent call for donors.
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As of May 20, 2024, Lifeblood warns its supplies will soon be at their lowest level this year.
While some stock is also held in hospitals, Lifeblood says it needs 1200 people donating every day in the coming week to meet the needs of patients.
Blood and plasma are required to treat a number of life-threatening conditions and their use continues to grow each year. This is driving the very high demand for both blood and plasma and there are no signs of this changing.
Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Experience, Cath Stone has urged both new donors and those who haven't donated for some time to donate now.
"Right now, we need both blood and plasma donors; we have empty chairs across our network every single day," she said.
"Almost 4,000 bags of blood are needed by hospitals every day across Australia to help patients in times of trauma, major surgery, cancer treatment, pregnancy and for a range of other medical conditions," Ms Stone said.
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Just one donation could save up to three lives.
"With one in three of us needing donated blood in our lifetime, the life you save could be that of a friend or family member, so please don't wait, book now."
Almost 4,000 bags of blood are needed by hospitals every day across Australia to help patients in times of trauma, major surgery, cancer treatment, pregnancy and for a range of other medical conditions.
- Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Experience, Cath Stone.
"Fewer than 3 per cent of the population donate blood regularly, yet more than 58 per cent are eligible to donate. That means there are about 10 million more people who could donate today, but don't," she said.
Ms Stone said it was likely there would be ongoing appeals for blood this winter. Lifeblood wants blood donation to become a habit for many more Australians, and not just something people do when there is an urgent need.
"If you've been waiting for the right time to become a donor or have been thinking about coming back to donate, this is the time to act," she said.
Ms Stone also encouraged people not to rule themselves out, as many potential donors incorrectly believe they are ineligible.
"You can jump on the Lifeblood website and take the eligibility quiz. And if you don't know your blood type, please make an appointment, as people of all blood types are needed right now," she said.
To book an appointment call 13 14 95, book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.
Eileen Wood
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
