Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urgently appealing for an extra 22,000 donors to come forward within the next fortnight amid an elective surgery boom and a COVID-driven hospital backlog.
The appeal extends to all blood types, but especially those with O-, A-, A+ and B-, which are running particularly low.
Lifeblood Executive Director Cath Stone said that donor numbers are on a decline, while hospital demand is increasing.
READ MORE: Urgent call for blood donors as Australia's stocks drop to just two days' supply
"Hospital demand is up seven per cent compared to this time last year and we have around 10,000 fewer people donating now than we saw at the peak of the pandemic," Ms Stone said.
"We need more donors to roll up their sleeves to ensure fridges are well stocked. We have 22,000 extra appointments to fill during the next two weeks.
"Even if you don't know what blood type you have, we still need you – we need all blood types every day."
Ms Stone said that tens of thousands of donations are needed every week to keep up with demand.
READ MORE: People with blood type O may have lower risk of COVID-19, new studies reveal
"Thirty-one thousand donations are needed every week across Australia to help patients in times of trauma, major surgery, cancer treatment, pregnancy and a host of other situations.
"As we continue to ride the wave of changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, it's essential that blood and plasma donations continue."
One in three Australians will need a blood donation in their lifetime, while only one in 30 give blood every year (three per cent).
A single blood donation can save up to three lives.
READ MORE: Blood donation misconceptions debunked
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