Blood donors needed urgently as record demand and cancellations collide

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.

Data shows demand for blood reached record levels in June, July and August. This demand surge coincided with the highest appointment cancellation rates since the COVID-19 pandemic, severely impacting the supply of multiple blood types.

Lifeblood’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Cornelissen AM, 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,” Stephen 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.

“Right now, we need donors of all blood types. If you’ve never donated before, now is the time to start. Don’t wait for someone else to do it. Every donation counts,” he said.

A blood donor is needed every 18 seconds in Australia to help patients undergoing cancer treatment, major surgery, trauma, pregnancy and childbirth, and a range of other conditions.

Just one blood donation can save up to three lives, and all it takes is an hour of time.

To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood App.