Blood supplies plunge 60% to their lowest level in a decade as Lifeblood issues critical call for 16,000 donors

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued a critical appeal for 16,000 donors this week as the organisation’s reserves hit their lowest level in just under a decade.

A prolonged and record cold and flu season has left more than 1,200 donor chairs empty nationwide each day, contributing to a 60 per cent fall in Lifeblood’s blood supplies since June.

Even minor cold and flu symptoms prevent people from donating, resulting in low bookings, more cancellations and missed appointments.

Despite tens of thousands of people donating in response to Lifeblood’s recent winter appeals, supplies of the most common blood types are critically low. 

Lifeblood Chief Customer Officer Cath Stone said blood donations simply are not keeping pace with hospital demand, and 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.”

Despite fewer donors this spring, demand for blood remains high. 

“An ageing population, increased cancer prevalence, and longer life expectancies are just a few of the reasons we’re seeing demand continuing to grow for both blood and plasma treatments,” Cath said.

“Yet the number of people donating remains low at just three per cent of the population, and we need that to change.”

“Donating blood is an easy way to find out your blood type, and all types are needed by patients right now.”

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 an appointment call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood app.