News

Supporting the call for blood donors

St John of God Health Care is supporting calls from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood for people who are safe, healthy and able to give blood to help aid the shortage of blood supply as a result of the recent flooding in New South Wales and Queensland.

16 Mar 2022

Caregiver with patient donating blood

Lifeblood recorded a shortfall of 3,000 blood donations – the equivalent of an entire Saturday’s supply – in one week, with further shortfalls expected. Flooding of collection centres, challenges with staff and donors unable to reach centres, and road closures have all contributed to reduced collections.

As a critical resource for hospitals and health care services across the country, donating blood ensures patients in affected communities get the medical treatment they need.

While COVID-19 may cause some uncertainty around safety, the risk of transmission in Lifeblood facilities remains very low due to the measures in place to minimise the risk of infection.

Donating blood is safe and is a way to do something positive during this uncertain time, with one blood donation saving up to three lives. If you can donate, please do.

Head to the Lifeblood website to find more reasons to donate or to locate your nearest donor centre, check your eligibility and book a donation.