The Australian Red Cross is urging people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood this winter, as supplies of O-Negative blood dwindle.
There is a critical need for blood as the nation’s O-Negative reserves has slipped to only two days’ supply.
A spokesman for the Australian Red Cross, Shaun Inguanzo, says cold and flu symptoms are stopping up to 1000 donors a day from donating, placing a strain on existing donors.
He says now is the ideal time for new donors to come forward.
“O-Negative is the universal type given to patients in emergency situations,” he said.
“Australian patients need around 500 O-Negative donations a day to survive these situations.
“With one in three of us needing donated blood in our lifetime the life you save could be that of friend or family member.”
Mr Inguanzo says maintaining O-Negative supplies during winter is a seasonal challenge.
“The number of people suffering cold and flu symptoms increases, limiting the number of regular donors who are able to give,” he said.
“Around the country, we are seeing as many as 1000 people cancel their appointments every day.”
“We need others – in this case people with O-Negative blood, to take the place of those who have cold or flu symptoms.”
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 click on website below.