Gold Coast blood stocks under strain as demand soars
Lifeblood is calling for 350 Gold Coast donors this week
What’s happening?
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urgently appealing for Gold Coast residents to roll up their sleeves, as blood and plasma supplies face critical strain. The call comes after record high demand during winter, combined with peak cancellations and lower seasonal bookings.
Why it matters
Lifeblood says every donation is vital. A blood donor is needed every 18 seconds across Australia to support cancer treatments, major surgery, trauma, and childbirth. Just one donation can save up to three lives.
Local impact
The Gold Coast is being asked to provide 350 blood and plasma donors this week to help stabilise supplies.
By the numbers
Lifeblood needs 12,500 extra donors nationally in the next seven days.
Demand reached record highs in June, July, and August.
Winter cancellations were the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Stephen Cornelissen AM, Lifeblood’s CEO, said this year’s winter was a “perfect storm” of high demand and cancellations. “We’re urging anyone who is eligible and feeling healthy and well to book a donation immediately and help restore our blood stocks,” he said.
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The challenge is national, with supplies of multiple blood types running low. All blood types are needed.
What to look for next?
Lifeblood will monitor appointment bookings this week to see if the urgent call eases the strain.
Donate now.