National appeal for urgent blood donations
12 September 2003
For the first time in many years, the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, and the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS) have called for national support immediately and over the coming weeks to boost desperately low blood stocks Australia-wide.
Senator Patterson explained, ‘Normally … we find a particular state may have difficulty meeting demand for blood, in which case blood may be shared across the national ARCBS network.
‘However, August was a particularly difficult month with higher than usual blood usage, coupled with lower collections Australia-wide due to increased colds and flu affecting the ability of many to donate.
‘At this time we have no alternative but to call on the community to support this life-saving service. Without immediate support patient's lives could be in real danger and other critically ill people may find urgent, life-saving surgery postponed,’ Senator Patterson said.
The ARCBS has advised that national supplies of the 2 main blood groups O and A are extremely low.
Approximately 4000 donations are needed every day around Australia just to meet demand.
To register your interest to donate blood visit www.donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95 to make an appointment.
Last Reviewed: 12 September 2003
