It a time when many of us are feeling helpless in the face of unprecedented events, there is something you can do to help save the lives of fellow Australians.

Lifeblood is calling on eligible Australians to become blood donors and for existing donors to make and honour their appointments to prevent a potential shortage of blood supplies.

Some 14,000 donors are needed to make an appointment over the next few weeks, including the Easter long weekend, to bolster supplies.

Lifeblood Chief Executive Shelly Park said the organisation had been preparing for the annual cold and flu season, and the emergence of the novel coronavirus could put the nation’s blood supply under even more pressure should existing donors become unavailable and regular donations become disrupted.

“At the start of 2020, we saw a phenomenal response from donors, who came forward and rolled up their sleeves as a way to help with the nation’s bushfire response,” said Ms Park.

“However, those generous donors now have to wait 12 weeks before they are able to donate again. This means there are now fewer people able to donate over the coming weeks.”

Last minute cancellations are also putting a dent in blood stocks at a time when donors are in urgent need, she said.

“Blood is needed every day by Australian patients including road trauma patients, surgical patients, medical and orthopaedic patients, pregnant mums and cancer patients, said Ms Park.

Lifeblood wants to reassure donors and the community that there is no evidence coronavirus is transmittable by blood transfusion.

And Ms Park said the organisation has robust processes in place to ensure the safety of the blood supply and our donors.

“We don’t allow people who are unwell to donate blood. Our donor centres are safe places to visit and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that stays the case,” she said.

“To ensure there is a sufficient blood supply, we are appealing to donors to keep their appointments if well and healthy and are inviting new donors or those who haven’t donated for a while to come forward to help us.”

There are currently 500,000 Australians who donate blood, but millions more who may be eligible to donate.

“Right now, we have 14,000 appointments that need to be filled over the next few weeks as we work to continue providing life-saving blood and blood products to Australian patients as we head into the busy Easter period. It only takes an hour to give blood, but could be the life-changing gift to help someone celebrate next Easter at home with their loved-ones,” said Ms Park.

“If you are a donor and haven’t made your next appointment, you can help us be prepared by booking one in the next few weeks as we approach the Easter period. And if you have never donated before, now is a great time to become a donor and help us maintain the nation’s blood supplies. This is your opportunity to give the gift of life to another.” Ms Park.

To donate, make an appointment online by visiting my.donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.