Urgent call for blood donors in WA as stocks reach critical levels

An urgent plea has been issued for blood and plasma donors in WA as the state's blood collection service faces critically low reserves. 

Margery Roberts, a dedicated donor for over five decades, is among those stepping forward to replenish the dwindling stocks.

More recently, she's been doing it in honour of her sister, who has been diagnosed with stage four blood cancer. 

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Their brother, Geoff Roberts, is also making his contribution from the other side of the state.

"We thought we'd like to do this for her, it's our gift of love to her," Margery said.

More than 600 blood and plasma donations are needed in Perth alone this week, which is the equivalent of about 90 donations per day.

The donations are vital resources for various medical procedures, including road trauma treatments, cancer care, and postpartum support for new mothers. 

Lifeblood WA's Jessica Willet has called for anyone able to donate to give blood urgently.

"Today, we've issued an immediate call for everyone to come in and donate blood as our blood stocks reach critical levels," she said.

Less than three percent of the population in Western Australia donates regularly, falling short of the required number.

"We need them to come in now; we don't want them to wait for critical calls. We need them to come and make donations a habit," Willet said.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.