Embrace plasma power and make a vital donation to Lifeblood

An additional 10,383 people need to give blood and plasma to prevent a potential Australia-wide shortage.

With cancellations increasing by 5,000 over the past three months, Lifeblood is urging more locals to roll up their sleeves and join the thousands who have already responded to the call.

Port Macquarie and Taree are two centres requiring extra donors to fill blood and plasma appointments over the next two weeks to help boost the nation's blood stocks.

Lifeblood issued the call last week and says the response has been overwhelming, with new and existing blood donors answering the call, and 80 per cent of appointments now filled.

"We'd like to thank everyone who has taken time to book in a blood donation this week, but we still need a steady flow of donors every day at our Port Macquarie and Taree donor centres," Lifeblood spokesperson Jemma Falkenmire said.

"Currently these centres are 150 appointments short of what it needs to ensure there are enough supplies for patients in need."

More than 31,000 donations are needed every week across Australia to help patients in times of trauma, major surgery, cancer treatment, pregnancy and a host of other situations.

"We want to thank everyone who's continued to step up and donate during this pandemic. However, the reality is the need for blood and blood products never stops so we urge all eligible Australians to make blood or plasma donation part of their 'new normal'.

"Lifeblood donor centres are safe to visit, with strict social distancing, cleaning and donor eligibility measures in place. Only healthy people are eligible to give blood and we have introduced even more stringent wellness checks prior to appointments, including temperature checking,."

To make an appointment to give blood or plasma, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the Donate Blood app.

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