Cath Stone urges Nine 5,500 Victorians to donate blood

Cath Stone says nine 5,500 Victorians with A and O blood are needed within the next week as Australian Red Cross Lifeblood tries to lift very low supplies in Victoria. The appeal lands while the state needs more donors than anywhere else in Australia, and the pressure is building toward June.

Cath Stone on hospital demand

Stone said Type O and A blood are among the types most frequently ordered by hospitals. She also said winter is always a challenging time for blood donation. That combination has left Lifeblood trying to refill stocks used for cancer treatment, surgery, trauma care and childbirth.

“Winter is always a challenging time for blood donation.”

“When people are unwell with colds or flu, they can’t donate, even if they want to. 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.”

Victoria’s winter shortfall

A long and intense 2025 winter saw people cancel donations because of cold and flu infections. That left Victoria short at a time when Lifeblood says it needs more people to donate than anywhere else in the country. The state’s supply problem is not about one hospital or one treatment area; it is spread across the system that depends on regular blood deliveries.

By June, Lifeblood says stocks could fall to critical levels if more donors do not come forward. The practical response is simple: eligible Victorians with A or O blood should book now rather than wait for demand to ease. Lifeblood says donations can be arranged by calling 13 14 95 or visiting.