The ‘perfect storm’ of the COVID-19 pandemic has led blood donor numbers to plummet, and Hume residents are being asked to roll up their sleeves.
Australian Red Cross’ Lifeblood is an organisation that provides support to Australians through blood, plasma, transplantation and biological products.
Lifeblood spokesperson Jessica Willet said that currently one out of every two blood donation appointments with the organisation are not being attended.
“Donor numbers have plummeted recently due to a perfect storm of people waiting on COVID-19 test results or quarantining, many being away with the reopening of borders, and donors wanting to spend more time with family and friends,” she said.
“With record numbers of people unwell and having to isolate, we are seeing very high cancellation rates. But COVID does not stop the need for blood.
“Right now, we need others to take the place of those who can’t donate.”
Ms Willet said that while one in three people will need blood in their lifetime, only one in 30 people donates.
Ms Willet said in the two weeks to Australia Day, an extra 1000 blood and plasma donors were needed at donor centres in Hume.
There will also be a pop-up donor centre established in Sunbury from Monday, January 31 to Friday, February 4 at the Hume Global Learning Centre on Macedon Street.
Ms Willet said 60 appointments were still available.
Details: 13 14 95, lifeblood.com.au or Donate Blood mobile app
Michaela Meade
