Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has arrived in Port Lincoln this week, issuing an urgent plea for local residents to roll up their sleeves as national blood supplies hit a decade low.
The mobile donor centre will be in town until Friday, November 13 with more than 60 appointments still available across Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Lifeblood spokesperson Emily Granland emphasised the critical need for donors of all types ahead of the holiday period.
“We do need 33,000 blood donations every single week to keep up with the demand for blood and blood products for patients in hospital,” she said.
“We need all blood types all the time to make sure we’re meeting that demand.”
With the end of the year fast approaching, Lifeblood is especially encouraging first-time donors to step forward.
“We do have Christmas coming up and again, that is also a traditionally tricky time for us to get many people out and about and donating,” Ms Granland added.
“So any donations we can get locally would be really appreciated.”
Locals interested in donating can book an appointment online at lifeblood.com.au, through the Lifeblood app, or by calling 13 14 95.
