Logan residents are being urged to roll up their sleeves as Australia’s blood supplies plunge to their lowest level in almost a decade, with nearly 500 donors needed at Springwood every week.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued an urgent appeal for 16,000 blood donations nationally this week, including 3000 extra donations across Queensland.
A Lifeblood spokesperson said local donors had an important part to play in rebuilding supplies.
“Springwood Donor Centre needs almost 500 donors through its doors every week, so local donors have a really important role to play in helping us rebuild blood supplies,” the spokesperson said.
“Right now, supplies of most blood types are critically low, particularly type O, and we’re asking anyone in Logan who is eligible, well and able to donate to please make an appointment.”
National blood reserves have fallen 60% since June, with an unusually prolonged cold and flu season contributing to missed appointments and cancellations.
More than 1200 donor chairs are being left empty nationwide each day, according to Lifeblood.
Chief customer officer Cath Stone said donations were struggling to keep pace with hospital demand.
“The number of people affected by this year’s cold and flu season has remained unusually high from August to early October, contributing to persistently low donor turnout,” Ms Stone said.
“Safety of the blood supply is paramount and even minor sniffles rule people out, as donors must be symptom-free for seven days.”
The shortage is particularly concerning for type O blood, which is widely used in emergency treatment.
O-negative red blood cells can be given to patients of any blood type, making them especially important when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood group.
However, Lifeblood stressed donations of all blood types were urgently needed.
“Every donation at Springwood can help ensure blood is there for patients when they need it, whether they’re undergoing cancer treatment, surgery, giving birth or facing an emergency,” the spokesperson said.
Ms Stone said an ageing population, increasing cancer prevalence and longer life expectancies were contributing to growing demand for blood and plasma treatments.
“Yet the number of people donating remains low at just three per cent of the population, and we need that to change,” she said.
The Springwood Donor Centre is located at 139–143 Barbaralla Drive and opens seven days a week, with evening appointments available Tuesday to Friday.
Eligible residents can book through Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, the Lifeblood app or by calling 13 14 95.
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