Chermside residents are being urged to donate blood this week, with the local donor centre needing 150 people with O-type blood to help rebuild dangerously low national supplies.
Why O-type Blood Is Critical
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued a national appeal for 9,500 O-type blood donations, with stock levels at their lowest since 2023. The Chermside Donor Centre urgently needs 150 donors to help meet local demand.
O-type blood is the most requested by hospitals, especially O negative, which can be used in emergencies when there’s no time to test a patient’s blood type. Although only 7 per cent of Australians have O negative, it makes up 16 per cent of blood ordered by hospitals.
O positive is also widely used in emergencies and is more common in the population. Lifeblood says cancellations and reschedules have surged, straining supply at a critical time for patient care.
Blood Shortages Hitting Queensland
Queensland needs 2,000 of the 9,500 O-type blood donations required nationwide this week. Lifeblood says Chermside, along with Brisbane City, Springwood and Strathpine, faces the most urgent demand in the Brisbane region. Chermside is one of the largest donor centres on the northside, supporting major hospitals across the city.
Nearly 10,000 blood products are distributed daily across Australia. Lifeblood warns that without more donors, hospitals could face delays in treating patients needing surgery, cancer care or emergency transfusions.
How To Help In Chermside
Donating blood takes about an hour, with the actual donation lasting around 10 minutes. Lifeblood urges healthy people over 18, especially first-time donors or those who haven’t donated recently, to book an appointment.
Those unsure of their blood type can find out during their visit. Appointments can be made by calling 13 14 95, visiting lifeblood.com.au, or using the DonateBlood app, with the Chermside Donor Centre open all week for blood and plasma donations.
Community Response Makes The Difference
Lifeblood says blood donations often fall during winter, even though the need stays the same. Chermside locals are being asked to help fill the shortfall of 150 donors this week.
Donating takes just one hour and can help hospital patients recover from serious illness or injury. Stuart Chesneau said it’s a simple way to give others more time with their loved ones and support the strength of the community.
Published 3-June-2025
