Australian Red Cross Lifeblood urgently needs Maitland people with O negative blood to donate between now and Anzac Day, as consecutive long weekends threaten supplies.
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According to a report from Lifeblood, its reserves of the emergency blood type - needed by accident and trauma patients - have dropped to their lowest point in 12 months.
Maitland Blood Donor Centre will be open on Easter Saturday and Easter Monday, with 100 additional donations needed.
"The need for blood is often unplanned and urgent, and many of our donors take a well-deserved break over long weekends," Lifeblood spokesperson Brian Bruce said.
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"This Easter is particularly difficult with back-to-back long weekends on both Easter and Anzac Day,"
"We urgently need people to book a donation between now and Anzac Day, with donations particularly needed over the long weekends."
A recent study by Lifeblood found that O negative makes up 15% of hospital orders across Australia, but less than 7 per cent of the population.
"This rare blood type is in high demand because it can be given in emergency situations where a patient's blood group is unknown," Mr Bruce said.
"It's often stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters to be used for trauma patients who can require huge quantities in a short amount of time.
"If you don't know your blood type, donating is an excellent way to find out - with every blood type needed every day to help save lives."
As well as accident and emergency patients, blood will be needed by thousands of people this Easter weekend, including trauma and emergency patients, mums delivering babies, and people undergoing cancer treatment.
"A single blood donation can mean a lifetime for the person receiving it, and all it costs a donor is an hour of their time," Mr Bruce said.
To book a donation this Easter, visit lifeblood.com.au, download the free Donate Blood app or call 13 14 95 The blood bank is located at 39 St Andrews St, Maitland.
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