Every week, Australia needs around 33,000 blood and plasma donations to meet demand.
These donations are used to help treat cancer patients, those with blood disorders, people in surgery and people giving birth.
However, due to record high cancellation numbers, the likelihood of demand being met has hit “the red zone”.
Due to record high cancellations in the colder months, Lifeblood is urgently calling for people to roll up their sleeves and donate, to ensure the needs of Australians are met.
At the Shepparton Donor Centre — located at Unit 3, 210-216 Corio St, Coles car park (entrance via Vaughan St), Shepparton — 130 appointments are available.
“Now is the time to enjoy the warm glow that comes with giving blood and saving lives,” Lifeblood director of donor relations Steve Eldridge said.
“As a nation, we need thousands of blood and plasma donations every day. Therefore, we need more people to become regular donors.
“If more eligible Aussies start donating, especially when our regular donors are off sick, they too might get hooked on that positive feeling that comes from saving lives.
“If you are feeling healthy and well, step up and join the donor movement, and help us fill those empty donor chairs.”
Just over three per cent of people in Australia donate blood and plasma regularly; however, it’s estimated up to 57 per cent of the adult population are eligible to donate.
That’s an estimated 10 million people eligible to save lives, and you could be one of them.
“We know donors feel so disappointed when they have to call in sick for a donation, but for us, the most disappointing thing is when empty spots go unfilled, especially when we know there are millions of people who could help,” Mr Eldridge said.
Even if you can’t become a regular donor, you can check when blood is needed most at https://tinyurl.com/4dmcuha7
Lifeblood hopes that the live supply update program will encourage more people to donate more often, especially if they know that their specific blood type is needed.
“We rely on the generosity of donors to provide vital blood products to people undergoing cancer treatment, living with blood disorders, needing surgery or even women giving birth,” Mr Eldridge said.
“You never know when you, or someone you love, might require blood, plasma or platelets to survive, so make yourself cosy in a donor centre this winter and give someone the gift of life.”
Any donations booked before Sunday, September 8 will receive a limited-edition bandage designed by Indigenous artist and two-time Olympian Brad Hore.
The bandage acknowledges the life-changing impacts of a community of giving.
To book a donation, call 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.
Shepparton Donor Centre is open from 11.30am to 7pm Monday to Thursday, 7.30am to 3pm Friday and 7.30am to 3pm every second Saturday.