Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urgently calling for 13,000 A and O blood donations in the next seven days as its blood supplies run very low.
More donors are needed now to prevent Lifeblood’s stocks falling to critical levels by June, and to protect the blood supplies hospitals rely on for cancer treatment, surgery, trauma care and childbirth.
With the cold and flu season already underway, Lifeblood expects sustained pressure on supply in the months ahead.
Winter typically brings the year’s highest appointment cancellation rates and lower donor attendance, as colds, flu and other seasonal illnesses prevent regular donors from giving.
Concerns are heightened this year, following a long 2025 winter and warnings of new influenza strains circulating.
Lifeblood spokesperson Cath Stone urged donors with type A or O blood to book an appointment and donate this week.
“Winter is always a challenging time for blood donation. When people are unwell with colds or flu, they can’t donate – even if they want to,” Cath said.
“But the need for blood doesn’t slow down. Patients undergoing cancer treatment, people needing surgery, and those injured in accidents rely on blood every single day.”
Across Australia, a blood donation is needed every 18 seconds, and Lifeblood issues close to 10,000 blood products and medications to hospitals every day. In major trauma cases, a single patient can require up to 100 donations.
People who don’t know their blood type are also encouraged to donate, as all blood types are needed, including for plasma.
To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood app.
