AUSTRALIAN Red Cross Lifeblood is calling out for anyone who is feeling well to come forward and donate blood, with 14,000 more donors needed in the next few weeks to prevent a shortage.

The organisation will be in Gawler twice during May, after COVID-19 forced staff to cancel visits to more regional communities that required overnight stays.

Lifeblood chief executive Shelly Park said the organisation was also preparing for the annual cold and flu season, and the emergence of the novel coronavirus could put the nation’s blood supply under pressure should existing donors become unavailable and regular donations become disrupted.

Temporary fast tracking of elective surgeries could also increase the demand on blood supplies.

“At the start of 2020, we saw a phenomenal response from donors, who came forward and rolled up their sleeves as a way to help with the nation’s bushfire response,” she said.

“However, those generous whole blood donors now have to wait 12 weeks before they are able to donate again – this means there are now fewer people able to donate over the coming weeks.”

Last minute cancellations are also putting a dent in blood stocks at a time when donors are in urgent need.

Lifeblood wants to reassure donors and the community that there is no evidence coronavirus is transmittable by blood transfusion.

The organisation also has robust processes in place to ensure the safety of the blood supply and its donors.

The Gawler Mobile Donor Centre will be at the Hewett Centre, from Monday, May 4 to Thursday, May 7, and again, from Monday, May 25 to Thursday, May 28.

Bookings can be made at (don8blood.com/2QPRMg5) or by phoning 131495.