There has been an urgent call for plasma donors from the Australian Red Cross’s Lifeblood as stocks are depleted.
Lifeblood is seeking new and regular donors to make an appointment to donate their blood and plasma.
After reporting a demand that reached a record high in December of 2024, Lifeblood is now looking for donors to provide their plasma,after quotas for blood have been reached.
Source: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
NSW’s Lifeblood media manager, Jemma Falkenmire said that donors are always needed, but due to a rise in demand plasma stocks are running low.
“Demand for plasma donations is the highest it’s ever been in Australia,” Ms Falkenmire said.
“We need more of it than we need of blood donations.
“There’s about 3 per cent of the population who donate blood or plasma regularly, so it’s not a very large number.”
Despite a consistent rise in donations, Lifeblood is still desperate for more donors to give plasma.
Source: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
Lifeblood’s Wollongong Donor Centre nurse, Taneile Stojczan is happy to ease new donors into the process of giving blood and plasma, and has invited anyone who has time to book an appointment as soon as possible.
“I just love meeting people and giving them a good experience, knowing that it’s gonna save lives,” Ms Stojczan said.
Ms Stojczan explained that Australians having an A or B blood type is high, and that the chances of someone being able to donate and help supply plasma is high too.
Source: Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
Anyone wanting to donate can book an appointment through the Lifeblood website or by visiting your local donor centre. Staff will then access your eligibility to donate blood or plasma.
