Springwood at heart of urgent blood donor appeal

Key points

• Australia's blood supplies have fallen to their lowest level in almost a decade. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood needs nearly 500 donors each week at its Springwood Donor Centre.
• The organisation has issued a national appeal for 16,000 donations this week, including 3000 extra across Queensland. National reserves have dropped 60 per cent since June, with a long cold and flu season causing missed appointments.
• Type O blood is in especially short supply, and eligible residents can book online, through the Lifeblood app or by phone.