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.
70 donors are needed in Gladstone and 50 are needed in Rockhampton this week.
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 and intense 2025 winter and warnings of new influenza strains circulating in the community.
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,” Ms Stone 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.”
Type O and A blood are among the types most frequently ordered by hospitals, making these donors critical to maintaining a safe and reliable blood supply.
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.
“We’re asking anyone who might be eligible and is feeling healthy and well – particularly those with A or O blood – to book an appointment now, before winter illnesses take hold,” she said.
“One hour in a donor centre can make a lifechanging difference for someone else, and it helps protect our blood supplies through the colder months ahead.”
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.
