The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood service is urging Lower Hunter residents, including in Cessnock, who are healthy and well to continue rolling up their sleeves during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The call comes after hundreds of people per day are cancelling their appointments amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Nationally, an additional 7500 blood and plasma donors are needed between now and Easter, while in the Lower Hunter an additional 110 donors are needed to meet demand next week.
The mobile donor centre will be parked in the Charlton Street car park this week, however there are no available appointments due to social distancing requirements meaning the service has fewer appointments than usual.
Cessnock residents who missed out on an appointment this week and would like to donate soon are encouraged to contact the Maitland donor centre.
"Here in NSW, we need an extra 1400 people to roll up their sleeves, over the long weekend. But the need is ongoing," Lifeblood spokesperson Nicky Breen said.
"We are currently seeing approximately 900 cancellations per day across Australia.
"While there could be a number of reasons for this, we know people are changing their routines. Blood and plasma donation remains absolutely vital and is excluded from restrictions to people's movement."
Blood donor centres have implemented strict measures to help protect donors and staff including increased disinfecting, restricting non-donor visitors to the building and implementing social distancing wherever possible.
Staff are also postponing anyone who has travelled overseas for 28 days.
"There is no evidence of coronavirus being transfusion transmissible. These steps are in place to protect other donors and staff," Ms Breen said.
"The exception is our generous donors aged 70 and over. We strongly encourage people who have been advised by government to stay at home and self-isolate for their own protection to follow this advice.
"There is no substitute for blood and we can't stockpile it, so it's vitally important people keep donating, and if they have an appointment, and are feeling well, to please keep it. Blood is needed every day for accidents, emergency surgery, new mums and cancer patients."
The mobile donor centre will return to Cessnock in July. To organise an appointment, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.
