Call for blood donations as supply drops

Lifeblood is calling on Victorians to roll up their sleeves and give blood to meet patient demand as levels drop.

About 9,500 donations of O positive and O negative blood is needed across the country, with Victoria needing the most, requiring 3,500.

Blood supplies have dropped to their lowest point since 2023, with hospitals also appealing for more donations.

The call comes as National Blood Donor Week nears from Monday June 9 to June 15, in celebration of donors and what they give.

Lifeblood Executive Director of Strategy and Growth Stuart Chesneau said they are experiencing the highest rates of people cancelling and rescheduling appointments.

“Around 9,000 appointments are cancelled, rescheduled, or not attended each week in Victoria at the moment.

“But the need for blood does not stop. We need people of all blood types to donate every day, especially O type.

“If you’ve never donated before and don’t know your blood type, coming in to donate is a great way to find out, and you get the chance to save a life.”

Lifeblood supplies close to 10,000 blood products and medications to hospitals around the country each day.

Blood transfusions have an immediate effect on patients, with O positive and O negative blood types used most frequently in hospitals, given in emergency cases when a blood type is unknown.

Blood donation appointments take around an hour while each donation only lasts 10 minutes.

“An hour of your time might give someone the rest of their life,” Mr Chesneau said.

“Plus, you’ll give Lifeblood’s blood supplies a much-needed boost as we head into the winter months.”

Donations can be made at the Geelong Donor Centre at 237-243 Ryrie Street.

For more information or to book a donation appointment, head to lifeblood.com.au