What’s happening?
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has sounded the alarm in Mackay, urging locals to donate blood and plasma after record winter demand and widespread cancellations left reserves under pressure.
Why it matters
Every donation plays a crucial role in helping patients facing surgery, trauma, cancer treatment, and other medical needs. In just one hour, a single donation can save up to three lives, making it one of the most direct ways to help people in need.
Local impact
Mackay has been asked to provide 100 blood and plasma donors this week to help strengthen reserves and support the wider state effort.
By the numbers
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Lifeblood requires 12,500 donors nationally in the next seven days.
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Winter demand for blood was the highest on record.
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Appointment cancellations surged to COVID-era levels.
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Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cornelissen AM stressed the urgency of the appeal. “We need donors of all blood types right now,” he said. “Don’t wait for someone else to do it.”
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The call extends across Queensland, with urgent donor needs spanning Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and the Gold Coast. Each centre has a target that contributes to restoring national supplies.
What to look for next?
The response in Mackay this week will be crucial in determining whether the local target of 100 donors can be reached and whether Lifeblood can ease the pressure on both state and national reserves.
