The Blood Service has issued a call for new blood donors in Springwood this winter to combat an expected shortfall in donations.
Historically, cold and flu symptoms wipe out as many as 900 blood donors a week.
Red Cross Blood Service spokesperson, Brenda Armstrong said an additional 120 donors were needed to fill appointments at IGA Car Park, Springwood the first week of July.
“Around 500,000 Aussies actively give blood, but these numbers traditionally drop as the cold weather sets in,” she 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 3 per cent of the Springwood population donate blood, yet one in three will need it in their lifetime.”
Brenda Armstrong 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.
“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.
Springwood Mobile Unit is located at IGA Car Park, 175 Macquarie Road Springwood.