Red Cross Lifeblood has issued an urgent appeal for Queenslanders to roll up their sleeves and give blood, with stocks plummeting due to record cancellations.
It’s been revealed an average of one in five donations have had to be cancelled or rescheduled due to cold and flu symptoms this winter.
It means hundreds of donor chairs across the state have sat empty each day due to people calling in sick.
According to Lifeblood, a further 1,000 Queenslanders are needed over the next week alone to help replenish stock, including over 400 blood and plasma donors on the Gold Coast.
“After months where cancellation rates due to illness were at their highest, now is the time to enjoy the warm glow that comes with giving blood and saving lives,” Lifeblood Spokesperson Belinda Smetioukh 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”.
Donors who are affected by cold and flu symptoms can give blood at least seven days after making a full recovery.
To book a donation call 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.
