Victoria's blood donation levels are dangerously low as the cold and flu season hits hard, forcing would-be donors to cancel. Red Cross Lifeblood has launched an immediate call for donors as reserves of most blood types drop to critical levels. The current demand for blood is extremely high and the current level of donations is struggling to keep up with the high demand.
While some stock is also held in hospitals, Lifeblood says it needs 1200 people donating every day in the coming week to meet the needs of patients. Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion. Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Experience Cath Stone is urging both new donors and those who have not donated for some time to donate now.
"Right now, we need both blood and plasma donors," she said. "We have empty chairs across our network every single day." Ms Stone said one donation could save up to three lives.
"Almost 4000 bags of blood are needed by hospitals every day across Australia to help patients in times of trauma, major surgery, cancer treatment, pregnancy and for a range of other medical conditions," she said. Ms Stone said it was likely there would be ongoing appeals for blood this winter. Lifeblood wants blood donation to become a habit for many more Australians - not just something people do when there is an urgent need.
"If you've been waiting for the right time to become a donor or have been thinking about coming back to donate, this is the time to act.
