Blood supply slows to two day low
THERE are only two days' supply of all blood types available in NSW.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service and Clarence Valley Community Unions (CVCU) are calling on 700,000 union members across the state to roll up their sleeves and become regular donors.
"We are at crisis level. The community needs blood and blood products and we are currently relying on too few Australians to keep blood supplies going," said president of the Grafton Base Hospital Nurses Association, Tyrone Dungey.
"The aim of this campaign is to encourage more people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood.
"Blood stocks especially O Negative, are in critical demand and more donors are urgently needed."
Mr Dungey said blood donations help save the lives of cancer patients, burns victims, road trauma victims, people undergoing emergency surgery and those on renal dialysis.
He is encouraging anyone who has thought about giving blood to roll up their sleeves and become a donor.
Australian Red Cross Blood Service spokesperson Kathy Bowlen said 2012 has been a difficult year for blood supply, adding colds and flu have been stopping regular donors from giving blood.
"We need to bolster blood stocks now and we can't do that without community support," she said.
"One in three people will need blood in their lifetime, but only one in 30 Australians donate. Every donation saves three lives."
Mr Dungey said blood donations help save the lives of cancer patients, burns victims, road trauma victims, people undergoing emergency surgery and those on renal dialysis.
He is encouraging anyone who has thought about giving blood to roll up their sleeves and become a donor.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service will visit Grafton Base Hospital tomorrow at 10am.
Local residents with blood type O Negative are encouraged to donate.
Bookings can be made on 131 495 or online at donateblood.com.au.
