By Olivia Condous
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood opened a pop-up blood donor centre today in Melton, to encourage more Victorians to roll up their sleeves as donations are at a critical low.
The pop-up is located at the Melton Community Hall on High Street and will run until June 17.
Lifeblood are running a several pop-up donor centres across the state, as the organisation made a call out last week for 17,500 donors to come forward urgently.
Lifeblood executive director Cath Stone said people needed donate now in order to boost stocks of A, O and B blood groups, as many donors were cancelling appointments due to illness.
“We know people are sick with cold and flu, we know people’s children are unwell and keeping donors at home and we know many people are still having to isolate due to COVID,” she said.
“We have 15,500 blood donations booked in for the next week, but based on current cancellations and no-shows, we know a large number of these won’t result in a donation and we still have thousands of appointments that need to be filled.
“We are pleading with anyone who is well and healthy to book a donation today and encourage your friends and family to do the same,” Ms Stone said.
For daily opening times and to book in at the Melton donor centre, visit: www.lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre/vic/melton-pop-up-donor-centre
