The blood signal will be activated this morning as the Red Cross says blood stocks are running desperately low. It will be the first time in two years the digital signal and appeal has been activated, after a debilitating winter flu season.
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There are less than two days' supply of O Negative and less than three days left of O Positive, Red Cross spokesman Greg French said.
"O Negative is the universal blood type that can be given to anyone in an emergency, and O Positive is the most common blood type in the country: more than 40 percent of Australians would need O Positive blood in the event of a transfusion," Mr French said.
"The problem is that up to 1000 donors a week are cancelling their donations due to cold and flu symptoms, and to make matters worse we've had a recent spike in demand for blood."
Mr French said the organisation would now activate its Blood Signal on social media, which has become one of the quickest and most effective ways of reaching new donors.
"Even if you can't donate, you can share the blood signal online to encourage friends to give in your place.
"Every donation you make or help encourage can help save three lives, including those of cancer patients, unborn babies, mothers giving birth, road trauma victims, burns victims, and people who need kidney dialysis."
To learn more about the Blood Signal, visit bloodsignal.com.au, and to make an appointment to give blood call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au
