Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urgently appealing for people to donate blood and help boost critical supplies.
The urgent call follows record high demand for blood during winter, coupled with peak appointment cancellations and seasonally lower bookings.
Lifeblood needs 12,500 additional donors to give blood and plasma over the next week to ease the strain on its blood and plasma reserves.
In Victoria, Lifeblood needs 4350 additional donors.
Data shows demand for blood reached record levels in June, July and August with the demand surge coinciding with the highest appointment cancellation rates since the COVID-19 pandemic, severely impacting the supply of multiple blood types, according to Lifeblood.
Lifeblood chief executive Stephen Cornelissen said a perfect storm of record high winter blood demand, peak cancellations, and seasonally lower appointment bookings means donors are urgently needed in spring to stabilise low blood stocks.
“We’re used to seeing a spike in cancellations and lower appointment bookings during the winter months due to cold, flu and COVID-19, but this winter hit particularly hard,” he said.
“At the same time, we experienced our highest ever winter demand for blood, which has significantly impacted Lifeblood supplies.
“We’re urging anyone who is eligible and feeling healthy and well to book a donation immediately and help restore our blood stocks.”
To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood App.
