Blood, plasma donors needed, especially for O+ or A+ blood types

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued an urgent appeal for 16,000 additional people to donate blood or plasma.

All blood and plasma types are needed, but in particular, Lifeblood's supplies of O+ and A+ blood have now dropped to two days' supply, meaning stocks of Australia's two most common blood types are under real pressure.

Fewer donors have been making appointments with Lifeblood. There has also been 1200 donors cancel or not turn up to their donations every day.

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Lifeblood executive director Cath Stone said 31,000 donations were needed every week across Australia to help patients in times of trauma, major surgery, cancer treatment, pregnancy and a host of other situations.

"As restrictions across the nation continue to ease, it's essential that blood and plasma donations continue," Ms Stone said.

"We saw the absolute best of the community throughout the pandemic with donors continuing to come in, however, this recent trend of decreasing appointments and increasing cancellations is concerning."

Around 71 per cent of the Australian population has an O+ or A+ blood type, which means these are also the most commonly used for patients in need.

"We want to thank everyone who has continued to step up and donate during COVID-19. However, the need for blood and blood products never stops so we urge those who can to make blood or plasma donation part of their 'new normal'," Ms Stone said.

To book a blood or plasma donation visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the Donate Blood app.