With the number of elective surgeries increasing, hospital demand for blood is up seven per cent across the country compared to this time last year.
And with 10,000 fewer Australians donating now than during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, blood stocks are running low.
“One in three of us will need blood or blood products at some stage in our lives,” Shepparton Lifeblood group account manager Shae Burns said.
“If not yourself, it could be a family member, friend or colleague.
“We all expect blood to be there for us when we need, and that’s why we need generous people to donate plasma and blood regularly.”
While all blood types are needed, Lifeblood is calling specifically for O negative, A negative, A positive and B negative blood.
“Around 70 per cent of the population have either O or A blood type, which means they’re also the most commonly needed for Australian patients,” Ms Burns said.
“O negative is the universal blood type, meaning it can be used by everyone.
“It’s the most common blood type used for transfusions when the blood type is unknown. So it’s often used in emergency situations – such as road accidents.
“Only nine per cent of the population have O negative blood. But because it’s so versatile it accounts for a decent per cent of the blood ordered by hospitals.”
Ms Burns also urged residents to give plasma, which can be used in 18 life-giving ways, including treating brain disorders, helping stop critical bleeding and protecting against tetanus.
“It is needed more than ever before,” she said.
The Shepparton Donor Centre is also calling for residents to donate on the public holiday of Monday, March 8 between 8 am and 3 pm.
New and existing donors are welcome.
To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the free Donate Blood app.
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