THE challenge has been issued to all Hastings blood donors, and those considering making a donation for the first time, to roll up their sleeves within the next two weeks to help boost critically low blood supplies across the country.
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As the winter chill bites and cold and flu season continues. the Australian Red Cross Blood Service supplies have been dealt a severe blow with more than 1000 donors a week cancelling or rescheduling appointments due to illness.
Mid North Coast Red Cross Blood Service spokesperson, Greg French, said 2000 donors nationally are being sought to boost supplies.
In Port Macquarie, there are 200 appointments available and the call is out for the universal blood type, O negative.
"It really has impacted our forward appointments which means we need more donors to roll up their sleeves and take the place of those who can't," Mr French said.
"The need for blood never takes a break and we now need around 2000 extra donors over the next few weeks to help survive winter with a solid supply of blood."
More than 35 per cent of blood donations are used by cancer patients throughout their treatment phase while the remaining stocks assist road trauma victims, people with blood and autoimmune disorders, emergency surgery patients, new mothers and their babies as well as the sick and seriously ill.
Mr French said Club Red is a great way people can help in winter. Club Red provides an opportunity for organisations and groups in the Hastings to get together and do something special by regularly donating blood.
Any business, community or youth group can donate as part of Club Red. Donations are tracked online, allowing businesses to track how many lives they have saved.
To make a blood donation appointment, call 13 14 95.
