Your help is needed as the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has declared this week 'Plasma Power Week'.

The Lismore Donor Centre will be open at midday today (Monday) and every day until Saturday to collect blood from you.

The reason for the push is due to the current lockdown in Victoria, this has caused a national shortage of plasma supply.

Scott Morrison Group Account Manager Northern Rivers said "we need the rest of the eastern seaboard to pick up the slack and the Lismore community does an amazing effort when we do these sort of call outs".

"We are expecting 60 plus appointments."

Due to social distancing we are required to make an appointment by calling 131495, heading to the website or by downloading the Donate Blood app.

The hours and days of operation are;

• Monday 14 September: 12 midday to 7:30pm
• Tuesday 15 September: 8am to 2pm
• Wednesday 16 September: 7am to 7pm
• Thursday 17 September: 7am to 7pm
• Friday 18 September: 7am to 5pm
• Saturday 19 September: 8am to 3pm

Lifeblood Chief Executive Shelley Park said 31,000 donations are needed every week across Australia to help patient in times of trauma, major surgery, cancer treatment, pregnancy and host of other situations.

“Despite dramatic changes to the everyday lives of Australians since March, we’ve seen people continue to generously donate blood and plasma.

“But over the past three months, we have seen the number of people cancelling or not turning up for their appointments increase nationally by around 5000.

“And looking ahead, we can see a drop in appointment numbers over the coming weeks – that’s why we’re asking new and existing donors to step up and fill those appointments to ensure there is a sufficient supply of blood and plasma.”

Lifeblood donor centres are safe to visit, with strict social distancing, cleaning and donor eligibility measures in place. Only healthy people are eligible to give blood and we have introduced even more stringent wellness checks prior to appointments, including temperature checking.

“We want to thank everyone who’s continued to step up and donate during this pandemic. However, the reality is the need for blood and blood products never stops so we urge all eligible Australians to make blood or plasma donation part of their ‘new normal’,” Ms Park said.