The Blood Service has issued a call for new blood donors in Lithgow 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 and every single donation counts.
Red Cross Blood Service spokesperson Ronny 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
“Only 9 percent of the population has the O negative blood type, yet there is a high demand for this blood group from hospitals,” he said.
Mr Maroun said an additional 25 donors were needed at Lithgow.
“Around 500,000 Aussies actively give blood, but these numbers traditionally drop as the cold weather sets in.
“We’re seeing donors cancelling appointments, because you need to be feeling 100 per cent fit and well to donate,” he said.
“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 Lithgow population donate blood, yet 1 in 3 will need it in their lifetime,” said Mr Maroun.
Lithgow Donor Mobile Unit will be at Lithgow Bowling Club at Peachman Avenue on Monday August 1 and Tuesday August 2.
To make an appointment to donate blood this winter - call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.