Milton residents are being asked to roll up their sleeves and participate in the nationwide blood donations drive to replenish critically low stocks following a record number of donation cancellations over the New Year period.
Lifeblood issued an urgent call this week after more than 6,500 people across Australia cancelled their appointments last week, the highest number of New Year week cancellations in three years. A further 14,000 individuals either rescheduled or failed to show up.
This significant drop in donations at a crucial time of year means an additional 12,000 people urgently need blood donation this week. Lifeblood executive Cath Stone stressed the situation’s urgency, highlighting that the need for blood doesn’t stop for holidays.
However, the recent holiday season saw an alarming number of people cancelling or rescheduling their appointments. Over 6,500 individuals cancelled their donations last week—the highest number of New Year’s week cancellations in three years—with an additional 14,000 either rescheduling or failing to attend.
This significant decrease in donations at a crucial time of year has created an urgent need for 12,000 people to donate this week. Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Experience, Cath Stone, stressed the importance of maintaining blood supplies, highlighting that the need for blood doesn’t take a holiday. She emphasised that hospitals continue to perform thousands of blood and plasma transfusions daily, with patients relying on the generosity of donors.
Stone encouraged Australians to find an hour in their schedules to give blood, suggesting that with the holidays over and routines resuming, it’s an ideal time to make a difference. She acknowledged that people might be motivated to donate for various reasons, from personal connections to those battling illness, to simply wanting to do something positive.
To facilitate blood donation, the nation’s blood supply levels are now available to view online in real-time. Potential donors can see exactly where and when their blood is most needed.
Published Date 07-Jan-2024
