Lifeblood Taree Donor Centre is calling for blood donors this holiday period

Blood demand is amongst the highest it's been in 10 years, which is why Taree Blood Donor Centre is urging the Mid Coast community to make time to donate this holiday season.

There are now more than three million extra people living in Australia than 10 years ago, but the number of people who donate hasn't changed.

Lifeblood spokesperson Gilly Paxton said blood donor centres are relying on the same number of donors today to maintain a blood supply for an extra three million people.

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At most risk over the holiday period are supplies of platelets, relied on by trauma and cancer patients, which have a short shelf life of just three days after testing, so a constant flow of donors is needed, she said.

"We particularly need donors between the December 23 and New Year's Eve. In the event of a serious accident or emergency, it can take up to 100 donations to save a life."

If you have O negative blood it is particularly important for you to donate.

"O Negative is the universal blood type and can be given to anyone in an emergency like those involved in road accidents, when there simply isn't time to find out their blood type.

"Only nine per cent of Australians have O Negative blood, but it makes up 16 per cent of orders from hospitals because it saves lives in emergencies," Gilly said.

"With one in three of us needing donated blood or blood products in our lifetime, the life you save could be that of a friend or family member," said Lifeblood spokesperson Gilly Paxton.

The Taree donor centre is open right through the holiday period.

To book a donation visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or download the free DonateBlood App.

If you are travelling make an appointment to donate at a different donor centre. There are donor centres right across the country. Nothing feels as good as being a life saver during your holidays.

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