The Blood Service has issued a call for new blood donors in Mudgee this winter to combat an expected shortfall in donations.
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Historically, cold and flu symptoms wipe out as many as 900 blood donors a week. Red Cross Blood Service spokesperson Ronny Maroun said an additional 60 donors were needed at Mudgee Mobile Donor Centre this July.
“Around 500,000 Aussies actively give blood, but these numbers traditionally drop as the cold weather sets in,” Mr Maroun.
“We’re seeing donors cancelling appointments, because you need to be feeling 100 per cent fit and well to donate.
“The need for blood never stops, and patients fighting cancer, infections and blood diseases are relying on donated blood to keep them healthy throughout winter. Only three per cent of the Mudgee population donate blood, yet one in three will need it in their lifetime.”
Mr Maroun said that while all blood groups are important, the Blood Service is particularly appealing for more O negative donors.
“O negative is the universal blood type so it is critical to treating patients in emergency situations when their blood type is unknown to clinicians,” he said.
“Only nine per cent of the population has the O negative blood type, yet there is a high demand for this blood group from hospitals.”
The mobile blood bank will be parked at Mid-Western Regional Council from July 4 to 7 and July 11 to 12.
To make an appointment call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au