Thursday, 2 November 2023

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (09:52): You may have heard recent reports that the Red Cross is in desperate need of blood donors. Stocks of the most common blood types have dropped to their lowest point in the year. They need over 7000 people to donate blood across Australia, and my hope is that Victorians will lead the way. There is a significant demand for type O blood types in the next week to boost supplies. If your blood type is O-negative, you are very special, because less than 7 per cent of the population has this universal blood type. O-negative blood is used to treat patients when their blood type is unknown, but whatever your blood type, as long as you are able your blood is needed. Red Cross Lifeblood said they expect demand will continue to rise in the coming years and urged anyone eligible to book an appointment and become a blood and plasma donor. I know people that have donated over a thousand times, and I confess that I can count the number of times I have donated on one hand. Michael Klim, the well-known Olympian, depends on blood transfusions, but I have also met people who are not famous, including kids in hospital, that depend on blood transfusions, platelets and plasma. I know people who have taken their kids to hospital who desperately need blood transfusion only to be told that their supplies are so low that they may have to come back or wait for hours. It has inspired me to give blood, and I hope it inspires you to give blood too. To all those who already give their blood, thank you for giving to others. For those who are yet to give, it is a simple thing that can and does save people’s lives. To donate, visit lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.