Anytime is a great time to give blood, but the stakes are higher than usual this June.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is appealing to anyone with O-type blood to book a donation as the organisation’s levels of both O positive and O negative have dropped to their lowest point since 2023.
For those living in Wyndham, the Werribee Donor Centre on Watton Street is the place to roll up your sleeves.
The process is simple, with a blood donation appointment only taking about an hour, with the donation itself lasting less than 10 minutes.
Lifeblood executive director Stuart Chesneau explained the national shortage.
“Every day, we issue close to 10,000 blood transfusions and medications to hospitals around the country to meet patient demand and we can’t do it without people donating,” Mr Chesneau said.
He said O positive and O negative are the blood types most frequently ordered by hospitals and can both be used in emergency situations.
“O negative is considered a ‘universal blood type’ and is often stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters so it can be used to treat patients when their blood type is unknown.”
He said O positive is equally required.
“We’re asking people of all blood types who are feeling healthy and well, especially those with O-type blood, to make an appointment.”
“If you’ve never donated before and don’t know your blood type, coming in to donate is a great way to find out, and you get the chance to save a life.”
To book: https://www.lifeblood.com.au/donor-centre/vic/werribee-donor-centre
