Australia’s blood reserves have plummeted to their lowest level in nearly a decade, prompting Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to issue a critical call for 16,000 donors to step up this week.
A relentless cold and flu season has left more than 1,200 donor chairs empty across the country each day, driving a staggering 60 percent drop in overall supplies since June.
With safety rules requiring donors to be completely symptom-free for seven days, minor sniffles and seasonal bugs have triggered a wave of cancellations and low booking numbers.
Despite tens of thousands of people responding to recent winter appeals, donations are failing to keep pace with mounting hospital demand.
Lifeblood Chief Customer Officer Cath Stone said Lifeblood’s inventories. especially type O blood, remain under significant strain.
“The number of people affected by this year’s cold and flu season has remained unusually high from August to early October, contributing to persistently low donor turnout,” Cath said.
“Safety of the blood supply is paramount and even minor sniffles rule people out, as donors must be symptom-free for seven days
“While these safeguards, alongside rigorous donor screening and testing, help ensure Australia’s blood supply remains very safe, they also mean fewer people can donate.”
“That’s why we urgently need everyone who is eligible and well to make an appointment to give blood as soon as possible.”
Donated blood helps treat cancer patients and people undergoing surgery, supports mothers and babies during childbirth, and saves lives in accidents and emergencies.
To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood app.
