Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urging Lismore people with O and A blood groups to donate as the cold and flu season, combined with ongoing COVID-19 cases, has created a perfect storm for a potential blood donor shortage.

Around 2000 donors across Australia each week are cancelling or rescheduling appointments due to cold and flu symptoms, and it is expected to get worse in the coming weeks. Lismore App owner/editor Simon Mumford was a case in point when he had to reschedule three appointments due to the flu and its lingering effects. You have to show no symptoms for 1 week after you have recovered.

Lifeblood spokesperson, Scott Morrison said Lifeblood data shows that higher numbers of people are cancelling their donations due to cold, flu, and COVID-19 symptoms this year compared to last year.

“We are expecting those cancellations to increase over the coming weeks so are asking people of O and A blood types to book a donation. More than 80 per cent of the population has an O or A blood type, meaning these are the types most needed by patients.

“O Negative is the universal blood type and is used to treat patients when their blood type is unknown. It’s often stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters to be used to treat trauma patients who can require huge quantities of blood in a short amount of time,” Scott said.

Fewer than seven per cent of the Australian population is O Negative, making it one of the rarer blood types, however, its versatility means it makes up 16 per cent of the blood ordered by hospitals.

To combat the seasonal drop in donors, Lifeblood has partnered with emergency services across the country to launch a blood drive to help secure blood stocks over the winter months.

“Emergency Service workers are used to coming to the rescue in times of need and emergencies, and at this time of year they will also help save lives by donating blood and plasma,” Scott said.  

One blood donation is needed every 18 seconds in Australia, with around 33,000 donations needed every week to meet demand. 

Make an appointment to donate at the Lismore donor centre on Bounty Street this winter by calling 13 14 95, visiting www.lifeblood.com.au or the Donate Blood app which can be found on Apple or Google Play.

(Simon Mumford back giving blood today after being hit by the flu)

Don't forget, there is a Lismore App donation team so when you go into the Lismore donor centre, say you want to be part of the Lismore App donor team.

As a community, we have given so much in the last fifteen months and we need to give a bit more that only takes an hour out of your day.