There’s Only One Day’s Supply Of The Universal Blood Type Left
Having O-Negative blood is kind of like having a superpower — it’s the universal blood type, which means it can be given to anyone in an emergency. And if you’ve got it, now’s the time to use that power, because the Red Cross Blood Service needs your help.
The massive cold and flu season we’ve been having has caused lots of people to cancel their blood donation appointments, meaning reserves of O-Negative blood have dropped to just one day’s supply. The Blood Service now need an extra 3000 people to make appointments to donate blood before the 15th of September to maintain emergency supplies.
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Spokesperson Shaun Inguanzo told Junkee that since the Blood Service announced the need for donors yesterday, they’ve had more than 500 people make appointments to donate, but still need more to hit their target.
If you’re not sure if you’re eligible to donate blood, the blood service has a handy quiz here that will let you know. If you’ve been hit with cold or flu symptoms this winter, you’re able to donate again seven days after making a full recovery.
And even if you don’t know your blood type, it’s worth looking into donating blood in future. It’s easy, quick, and helps save lives.
As Inguanzo puts it, “With one in three of us needing donated blood in our lifetime, the life you save could be that of a friend or family member.”
You can make an appointment to donate blood by visiting the Red Cross Blood Service website, or calling 13 14 95.