Urgent Appeal for Blood and Plasma Donations on the Gold Coast Amid Record Cancellations
400 Donors Needed Now: Gold Coast's Urgent Call for Blood and Plasma
400 Donors Needed Now: Gold Coast's Urgent Call for Blood and Plasma.
What’s Happening?
Australia faces a critical shortage in blood and plasma donations due to a surge in cold and flu cases leading to the highest cancellation rates in five years, Lifeblood is urgently seeking 1,000 additional donors in Queensland to replenish stocks.
Why it Matters?
The shortage puts patients at risk, including those needing cancer treatment, surgery, or emergency care. Without sufficient donations, Lifeblood may struggle to meet the nation’s daily demand for 33,000 donations.
By the Numbers
-1 in 5 donors cancelled or rescheduled due to illness this winter.
-Only 3% of Australians donate regularly, though 57% are eligible.
-Lifeblood requires an additional 1,000 Queensland donors in the next week.
Local Impact
Toowoomba, Queensland is one of the regions hardest hit, with an urgent need for 200 more blood and plasma donors between August 21 and 26.
Zoom In
Lifeblood's new Blood Supply Update tool allows real-time monitoring of blood levels, encouraging donations when specific blood types are needed.
Zoom out
Breakdown of Additional Blood and Plasma Donors Needed
Cairns: Over 100 blood and plasma donors
Townsville: Over 200 plasma donors
Mackay: 100 blood and plasma donors
Rockhampton: 30 blood and plasma donors
Gladstone: Over 100 blood and plasma donors
Bundaberg: 100 blood and plasma donors
Hervey Bay: 150 blood and plasma donors
Sunshine Coast: 100 blood and plasma donors
Ipswich: 150 blood and plasma donors
Toowoomba: Over 200 blood and plasma donors
Brisbane: 1,000 blood and plasma donors
What to Look for Next
Donors can book appointments and receive a limited-edition bandage designed by Indigenous artist Brad Hore if they donate before September 8. Lifeblood emphasises the importance of filling donor chairs as the flu season winds down.
If you can donate; please consider stepping up to help replenish our vital blood supply. You can book a donation now by calling 13 14 95 or book online at lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app. For more information, contact Belinda Smetioukh at 0432 793 904.