Red Cross needs over 10,000 blood donations in next two weeks
The Red Cross has issued an appeal to all Australians eligible to give blood due to a downturn in donations during the coronavirus lockdown.
Up to 10,383 donations of blood and plasma are needed in the next two weeks or trauma patients, pregnant women and cancer patients are expected to suffer, the organisation said.
Lifeblood Chief Executive Shelly Park said 31,000 donations are needed every week across Australia to meet demands and said 5000 people have either cancelled or not shown up to their appointment in the past three months.
The Red Cross needs over 10,000 blood donations in the next two weeks or patients will suffer. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
"We want to thank everyone who's continued to step up and donate during this pandemic," Ms Park said.
"However the reality is, the need for blood and blood products never stops."
The Red Cross wants to reassure the community COVID-safe measures are in place across all Lifeblood donor centres.
"Donating blood and plasma is classed as essential care giving and we have worked with all state and territory governments to make sure donors can keep their appointments, even in lockdown."
Lifeblood donor centres are performing temperature checks upon entry and maintaining all COVID-safe measures. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
Only healthy people are eligible to give blood and plasma and stringent wellness checks are taken out prior to appointments, including temperature checking.
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To make an appointment to give blood or plasma, visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the Donate Blood app.
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