What’s happening?
Lifeblood is calling on Rockhampton residents to donate blood and plasma this week, as winter’s record demand has placed serious strain on supplies.
Why it matters
Blood donations are needed every 18 seconds across Australia to support patients in hospitals. These donations are vital for cancer treatment, trauma cases, surgeries, pregnancy, and childbirth. Without them, lifesaving treatments and procedures risk being delayed.
Local impact
Rockhampton has been asked to provide 25 blood and plasma donors this week to help replenish local stocks and contribute to stabilising Queensland’s supplies.
By the numbers
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Nationally, 12,500 donors are required this week.
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Winter saw the highest demand for blood ever recorded.
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Appointment cancellations peaked, reaching levels not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Zoom In
Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cornelissen AM said the combination of record demand, cancellations, and low bookings created a “perfect storm” that hit supplies hard. “Every donation counts,” he urged, stressing the immediate need for more donors.
Zoom Out
Although Rockhampton’s target is smaller compared to other cities, every contribution remains critical. Each local donor plays a role in meeting both state and national needs at a time when supplies are stretched across Australia.
What to look for next?
Lifeblood will be watching Rockhampton’s appointment numbers closely this week to see if the goal of 25 donors can be reached. Meeting the target will help ease pressure on local reserves and support broader national efforts.
