BY DAKOTA TAIT
The Hunter's being urged to think about donating blood this Easter, with concern supplies of O negative blood are at their lowest levels in 12 months.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood will be keeping the doors open at its Newcastle and Maitland donation centres on Good Friday, in a desperate push for donors with the rare type.
Spokesperson Jemma Falkenmire says it's especially concerning approaching the back-to-back Easter and ANZAC Day long weekends.
"It's the time that we always see spikes in demand for blood, and particularly the emergency blood type, which can be used in really high volumes in emergencies like road accidents or traumas," Ms Falkenmire said.
"We have only one-and-a-half day's supply across the state of that blood type."
While O negative makes up 15 percent of hospital orders, just seven percent of people have the blood type.
It's in high demand, because O negative can be used in situations where emergency responders don't know the patient's blood type.
Ms Falkenmire says while not everyone knows their blood type, donating is a great way to find out.
"There's that really amazing group of people in Newcastle, about 2.5 percent of the local population, who are in there every two to three weeks donating blood," Ms Falkenmire said.
"We don't need those kind of regular donations from everybody, but what we do need is more people just to spare an hour or two of their time to come in and help us out, when things are this low."
Red Cross Lifeblood's hoping to have 4,500 across the country book a spot before Easter Monday, and another 7,500 donors through to ANZAC Day.
Ms Falkenmire says it can be intimidating, but it's a rewarding experience.
"You get a health check before you donate," Ms Falkenmire said.
"We've got free chocolate Easter eggs to give out to people who come in as well to sweeten the blood donation deal.
"And your blood is helping to save lives within as little as 48 hours, so it's well worth the time investment of an hour."
If you think you're eligible to give blood, visit lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95.
