More than 50 donors are urgently needed to roll up their sleeves and give blood over the Easter break in order to prevent a shortage of blood products required by cancer patients and road trauma victims.
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In particular, people with O and A blood types are needed to help boost Blood Service stocks.
Blood Service spokesperson Brian Bruce said blood will be needed by thousands of people across Australia this Easter, and supply is not guaranteed unless more donors step up to donate.
"The need for blood doesn't take a holiday, so we're urging locals to factor a blood donation into their plans this Easter," he said.
"We need donations on Easter Saturday and Easter Monday to ensure Australian patients receive the blood they need."
One in three Australians will need blood in their lifetime but only one in 30 currently donates.
"Unfortunately platelets have a shelf-life of just five days which means we can't stockpile them and need continuous donations during this time to meet demand.," Mr Bruce said.
"The life you help save this Easter could be that of a family member or close friend."
To make an appointment or learn more about donating blood or plasma, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au. Maitland Donor Centre is located at 39 St Andrews Street, Maitland.