South Australians are being urgently asked to roll up their sleeves this week, with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood calling for 800 additional donors across the state as national blood reserves fall to their lowest level in almost a decade.
Across Australia, more than 16,000 extra donors are needed this week after blood supplies plunged 60 per cent since June.
Lifeblood says an unusually prolonged cold and flu season has kept thousands of people away from donor centres, with more than 1,200 donor chairs sitting empty nationwide each day.
Even mild cold and flu symptoms can temporarily rule people out from donating, contributing to lower bookings, cancellations and missed appointments throughout spring.
Lifeblood Chief Customer Officer Cath Stone said, “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.
“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.”
Demand has remained high despite fewer people being able to donate, with blood used every day to support cancer patients, people undergoing surgery, mothers and babies during childbirth, and patients injured in accidents and emergencies.
Lifeblood says only around three per cent of Australia’s population currently donates blood.
An ageing population, increasing cancer prevalence and longer life expectancies are among the factors driving growing demand for blood and plasma treatments.
South Australia needs 800 additional donors this week, while Victoria requires 5,600, New South Wales 4,500 and Queensland 3,000.
All blood types are currently needed.
Eligible South Australians who are well can book a donation by calling 13 14 95, visiting the Lifeblood website or using the Lifeblood app.
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