What’s happening?
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has launched an urgent appeal across Queensland, asking 2,350 people to donate blood and plasma in the next week. The call comes after a “perfect storm” of record high winter demand, widespread cancellations, and seasonally low bookings left blood reserves critically low.
Why it matters
A blood donor is needed every 18 seconds in Australia. Donations are used in cancer treatment, major surgeries, trauma care, pregnancy, childbirth, and many other conditions. Just one donation can save up to three lives.
Local impact
Queensland centres from Cairns to the Gold Coast are seeking donors this week, with major targets including:
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Brisbane – 800 donors
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Gold Coast – 350 donors
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Toowoomba – 200 donors
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Townsville – 150 plasma donors
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Mackay – 100 donors
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Rockhampton – 25 donors
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Gladstone – 80 donors
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Bundaberg – 100 donors
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Hervey Bay – 70 donors
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Sunshine Coast – 200 donors
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Ipswich – 150 donors
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Cairns – 100 donors
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Lismore – 70 donors
By the numbers
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12,500 donors are needed nationwide this week.
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Demand for blood hit record highs in June, July, and August.
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Winter cancellations were the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Zoom In
Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen AM said: “We’re used to seeing a spike in cancellations and lower appointment bookings during the winter months due to cold, flu and COVID-19, but this winter hit particularly hard. At the same time, we experienced our highest ever winter demand for blood, which has significantly impacted Lifeblood supplies.”
He added: “We’re urging anyone who is eligible and feeling healthy and well to book a donation immediately and help restore our blood stocks. Right now, we need donors of all blood types. If you’ve never donated before, now is the time to start. Don’t wait for someone else to do it. Every donation counts.”
Zoom Out
The appeal is part of a nationwide campaign, but Queensland’s 2,350-donor target shows the scale of demand across the state.
What to look for next?
Lifeblood will be closely watching Queensland bookings this week to see if targets can be met and critical supplies stabilised.
