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 10 donors are needed at Gulgong Donor Mobile this August.

“Around 500,000 Aussies actively give blood, but these numbers traditionally drop as the cold weather sets in,” Mr Maroun said.

“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 Gulgong 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 percent of the population has the O negative blood type, yet there is a high demand for this blood group from hospitals.”

Make an appointment to donate blood this winter - call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.

Gulgong Mobile Unit will be located at Memorial Hall, Herbert Street, August 8.