Illawarra residents are being called on to roll up their sleeves as the blood bank’s reserves of O-Negative blood dip to just two days supply.
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Australian Red Cross Blood Service spokesman Shaun Inguanzo said an additional 4500 O-Negative donors were needed statewide to give blood between now and the end of July to help bolster supplies.
An increase in demand for the rare blood type, combined with a drop-off in donor numbers due to cold and flu symptoms, was behind the decline in supply.
Mr Inguanzo said sickness leads to as many as 1000 cancelled donations per week during the winter months.
“O-Negative is a universal blood type that can be used in an emergency situation where the patient’s blood type is unknown,” he said.
“With one in three of us needing donated blood in our lifetime, the life you save could be that of a friend or family member.
“The number of people suffering cold and flu symptoms greatly impacts the number of regular donors who are able to give.
“We need others to take the place of those who will be unable to answer our call.”
Donors who are affected by cold and flu symptoms are able to give blood at least seven days after making a full recovery.
To make an appointment call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au
