Australia’s blood supply has felt the freeze this winter with the percentage of people cancelling appointments due to cold and flu symptoms the highest it's been in five years.

An average of one in every five blood donors has cancelled or rescheduled their donations due to cold and flu symptoms each week during winter. This means as many as 1000 donor chairs have sat empty each day due to people calling in sick throughout the colder months.

The drop-off has prompted Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to urgently call for 8,500 people over the next week to help replenish stock.

The Lismore Lifeblood Centre on Bounty Street was busy yesterday afternoon. However, Lifeblood's Scott Morrison said more people are needed.

(Five full chairs at the Lismore Blood Donor Centre yesterday afternoon)

"At the moment, we've got a national call out for all blood types, blood and plasma. Our national inventory levels are very low. They're the lowest they have been in five years, and we really need Lismore locals to come out and support us over these next couple of weeks and months, as we get through this back end of the winter flu season."

"All of our regular donors have been falling ill, and we are looking for anyone who's donated before, but also those first-time new donors. So, if you've ever thought about donating, now's the time to jump on board and come in and see us at the Lismore Donor Center. We're open six days a week, and you can simply go online and register at www.lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14, 95 or download the Lifeblood app and become a regular donor and make a difference in the community.

"In the Lismore community, we've had the call out today, and we're filling all the chairs in the Lismore Donor Center, which is great to see, because as a community, we all stick together and get behind each other, and this is one of those times where we need everyone to stand up and make a donation and really make it count for those people who are less fortunate than ourselves. Those who need blood and blood products.

Scott wanted to remind Lismore App readers that every time you donate blood or plasma, you save three (3) lives.

"From any donation, we are able to take those components and make sure that we get the blood, plasma and platelets needed to help those people who are desperately in need, whether it's in the hospital system, in the maternity wards for new babies, whether it's in the cancer treatment units, people recovering from their cancer, chemotherapy and radiation treatment, and also surgical and elective surgeries."

“If you are feeling healthy and well, step up and join the donor movement, and help us fill those empty donor chairs,” Scott added.

Every week, Australia needs around 33,000 donations to meet demand, and Lifeblood will struggle to meet patient needs if cancellations continue and appointments aren’t filled coming off the back of the colder months when cold and flu rates peak.

Just over 3% of people in Australia (810,000 out of a population of 27 million) donate blood and plasma regularly. However, it’s estimated up to 57% of the adult population are eligible to donate, which is an extra 10 million people who could roll up their sleeves.

“We know donors feel so disappointed when they have to call in sick for a donation, but for us, the most disappointing thing is when empty spots go unfilled especially when we know there are millions of people who could help,” explained Scott.

"This is why we need new blood and plasma donors to help out. It only takes an hour of your time to give blood and 90 minutes to give plasma."

Donors who are affected by cold and flu symptoms can give blood at least seven days after making a full recovery.

Anyone who books a donation before September 8 will receive a limited-edition bandage designed by Indigenous artist and two-time Olympian Brad Hore. The bandage acknowledges the life-changing impacts of a community of giving.

You can book a donation now by calling 13 14 95 or book online at www.lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app, which you can search in the App Store or Google Play Store.