Australia needs more than 1800 people per day to donate blood over the next two weeks to prevent a shortage of blood products needed by patients this festive season.
People with O and A blood groups are being asked to urgently book a donation.
Lifeblood donor services executive director Cath Stone urged Australians to prioritise the gift of life this Christmas and New Year period.
“The festive season is a challenging time for blood supplies because the need for blood doesn’t stop over the holiday period, however fewer people are available to donate,” she said.
“We know that every 18 seconds this Christmas someone somewhere in Australia will rely on blood whether that is for serious accidents, surgery, complicated births, or cancer treatment.
“More than 80 per cent of the population has an O or A blood group meaning these blood types are most in demand by hospitals.”
A total of 550 additional donors are required across Victoria per day until January 1, 2023.
For the second year running, some donor centres across Australia will be open on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day to collect donations.
Ms Stone said additional donors are needed to replace regular donors who take the opportunity to travel this festive season.
“We’re urging people to make donating blood a priority,” she said.
“Donating blood takes about an hour, but it’s a gift that will make a real difference to a patient’s life.”
Details: 13 14 95, lifeblood.com.au or download the free Donate Blood app
