Lifeblood is calling on more people in Cannington and across Western Australia to donate blood as winter illnesses begin affecting donor numbers and blood supplies.
The organisation says 1000 additional donations of A and O blood types are needed across WA within the next seven days to help stop blood stocks from falling to critical levels by June.
At the Cannington donor centre, Lifeblood is seeking 120 people to book appointments over the next week to help maintain supplies relied on by hospitals.
Lifeblood spokesperson Hannah Rayment said winter was traditionally one of the hardest times of the year for blood donations.
“Bookings are already low with the cold and flu season underway, and we traditionally see lower bookings in May and throughout winter,” Ms Rayment said.
“Typically, in Winter, we some of the year’s highest appointment cancellation rates and lower donor attendance as colds, flu, and other seasonal illnesses keep our regular donors from giving.”
Ms Rayment said concerns had increased following the long 2025 winter and warnings of new influenza strains circulating in the community this year.
Type A and O blood, along with plasma donations, are currently the most urgently needed in WA.
“Blood types O and A are the most common blood types, so patient demand is highest for these types of blood,” she said.
Lifeblood spokesperson Cath Stone also said hospitals continued to rely heavily on blood donations every day.
“But the need for blood doesn’t slow down. Patients undergoing cancer treatment, people needing surgery, and those injured in accidents rely on blood every single day,” Ms Stone said.
Across Australia, a blood donation is needed every 18 seconds, while close to 10,000 blood products and medications are supplied to hospitals daily.
Lifeblood said there was no risk of emergency patients missing out on blood, but lower supplies could lead to delays in less urgent situations.
“We want to make sure everyone has the blood they need, when they need it,” Ms Rayment said.
The organisation said demand for blood was now at a 12-year high, while plasma demand had reached record levels.
Ms Rayment said many people mistakenly believed they were not eligible to donate because of age, tattoos, smoking, travel or health concerns.
“The easiest way to check this is to do our online eligibility quiz,” she said.
Ms Stone encouraged healthy and eligible people to consider donating before winter illnesses worsen further.
“One hour in a donor centre can make a life-changing difference for someone else, and it helps protect our blood supplies through the colder months ahead,” she said.
Appointments can be booked by calling 13 14 95, visiting Lifeblood’s website or using the Lifeblood app.
Lifeblood Cannington Donor Centre is located at 8/1296 Albany Hwy, Cannington.
