Lifeblood has issued an urgent plea for blood donors this week after experiencing a surge in cancellations, putting Australia’s blood supply under significant strain.
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More than 6,500 scheduled donations were canceled during the first week of the year, marking the highest New Year week cancellations in three years. An additional 14,000 donors either rescheduled or missed their appointments, leaving blood banks critically low.
To address this shortage, Lifeblood is calling for 12,000 additional donors to book appointments immediately to replenish dwindling stocks. Cath Stone, Lifeblood’s Executive Director of Donor Experience, emphasized the pressing need for blood.
“Every day, we are issuing more than 9,500 blood and plasma transfusions and medications to Australian hospitals,” she said. “There are still cancer patients, road trauma victims, new mums and newborn babies, and people with immune deficiencies that are relying on the generosity of blood donors.”
Despite a record-breaking 1.66 million donations in 2024, an increase of nearly 30,000 from 2023, demand for blood and plasma continues to soar. Lifeblood is aiming to recruit 100,000 new donors in 2025 to keep up with the rising demand caused by an aging population.
In the CBD, residents have two convenient options for donating blood:
- Brisbane Donor Centre at Edward Street, open for immediate appointments.
- Brisbane Parliament House Mobile Donor Centre at George Street, also ready to welcome donors.
Both centres are equipped to handle the influx of donors needed to meet the urgent demand.
Ms Stone encouraged donors to find their motivation to give. “For every reason to become a donor, there’s an even bigger reason. Life. So please book your donation today.”
Australians can now check real-time blood supply levels online through the Lifeblood app, making it easier than ever to know when donations are critically needed.
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Can I Donate Blood?
Here are some common questions and helpful information about blood donation. Check this list to see if you’re eligible to donate:
- Colds: Wait one week after full recovery and no symptoms, even mild ones.
- Surgery: Depends on type and timing. Wait if surgery is planned within 84 days or during recovery.
- Travel: Eligibility depends on destination. Check specific guidelines for recent travel.
- Tattoos/Piercings: Plasma donation is fine immediately; blood donation may require a wait.
- Medications: Most don’t prevent donation, but the condition treated might. Some medications require a waiting period.
- Dental Treatment: Plasma donation is okay after simple treatments (24 hours), but more complex procedures may require waiting.
- Weight: Minimum weight is 50 kg for health and safety.
- Antibiotics: Wait one week after completing antibiotics and ensuring the infection has resolved.
For more detailed answers and additional information, visit the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website. You may also call 13 14 95 to book a life-saving appointment.
Published 9-January-2025
