Lifeblood WA says its blood and plasma reserves have hit their lowest level in almost a decade. The Edgewater donor centre, the only permanent blood donation point in the northern suburbs, needs 250 blood donations and 240 plasma donations before the end of October. Lifeblood director Jessica Willet says blood donations have dropped by 60 per cent since June, due to a prolonged cold and flu season. She says time is the biggest barrier for people. Donations can be booked through the Lifeblood app.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued an urgent appeal for 16,000 blood donors nationwide, as reserves have dropped to their lowest level in almost ten years. The organisation says a prolonged cold and flu season led to low bookings, cancellations and missed appointments. Around 40 per cent of appointments in the Penrith area went unfilled over winter. Lifeblood's Chief Customer Officer, Cath Stone, said donations are not keeping pace with hospital demand. Penrith residents have responded strongly, with hundreds booking appointments at the Penrith Donor Centre in Jamisontown, which is now busy after a quiet period.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is inviting older Redlands residents to a free information night in Cleveland during Queensland Seniors Month. The event on Friday, 23 October 2026, runs from 4.30 pm to 6 pm at Comfort Hotel Pacific Cleveland. Researchers will present new findings on the value of older donors, and Dr Patrick Capon will address myths about age and donation eligibility. No blood donations will take place on the day. Attendees can speak with researchers and their local Lifeblood team.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued an urgent appeal for 16,000 donors this week, as its blood reserves have fallen to their lowest level in almost a decade. A prolonged cold and flu season has left more than 1,200 donor chairs empty each day across the country. Lifeblood chief customer officer Cath Stone said donations are not keeping pace with hospital demand, particularly for type O blood. Donors must be symptom-free for seven days, so even minor illness prevents people from giving blood. Demand is rising because of an ageing population and increased cancer rates.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued an urgent call for 16,000 more donors as its blood reserves fall to their lowest level in almost a decade. Blood supplies have dropped 60 per cent since June, with more than 1,200 donor chairs empty each day during a prolonged cold and flu season. Lifeblood says even minor symptoms stop people from donating, because donors must be symptom-free for seven days. Demand is still rising, with type O blood in particular under strain. Lifeblood says all blood types are needed right now.
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.
Blood donation bookings across the Illawarra are going unfulfilled, with around 1000 appointments cancelled or rescheduled in the past month. Lifeblood says an extra 150 donors are needed in the Wollongong area this week to meet hospital orders. National blood stocks have fallen to their lowest level in nearly a decade. Lifeblood says a long cold and flu season has kept donor numbers low, as donors must be symptom-free for seven days. More than 16,000 extra donors are needed across Australia, including 4500 in NSW. Lifeblood also says many people wrongly believe they are ineligible to give blood.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has launched a nationwide call for plasma donors during International Plasma Awareness Week, from 5 to 9 October. The organisation needs 15,000 donations this month to protect supplies of medicines and transfusions. Geelong resident Kimba Johnson-Baxter, 60, depends on plasma-derived medication after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in February 2020. She now works at the Geelong Lifeblood Donor Centre after years of volunteering. Members of the public can visit the Lifeblood website or app, or call 13 14 95, to book a donation.
