That is the catch-cry of Australian Red Cross’ Blood Service as the organisation embarks on replenishing its stocks during the cooler months.

On Wednesday, The Examiner reported that Northern blood donors have been urged to come forward and donate in the next two weeks to reduce the effects of a shortage.

There is a critical need for O blood type as “the nation’s reserve slips to just two day’s’ supply”. 

O-Negative is the universal blood type given to patients in emergency situations, while O Positive accounts for 39 per cent of the Australia population.

According to the blood service’s annual report, 1.3 million individual donations were made in the Australian Red Cross’ blood donor centres.

Of this 94,220 new blood donors were welcomed through the service’s doors in the 2015-16 financial year, joining a total of 460,119 donors.

Given that we live in a country of about 23 million, a few more people could jump on the donation bandwagon.

Donated blood can be made into 22 different types of medical treatments, with one third of blood donations help treat people with cancer and blood disease.

 Nineteen per cent of donations help people with types of anemia, while 18 per cent is used for surgical patients. 

When you look at the statistics, it is most likely that we all know someone who has benefited from blood transfusion. Every donation can save three lives.

Imagine how many lives could be saved if we all donated blood regularly and became organ donors.  If a family member or friend was in a grim situation, we would be lining up to help.

In 2016, the federal government’s organ and tissue authority stated that the number of organ donors and transplant recipients in 2016 was the highest since national recording of the practice began.

One organ or tissue donor can transform the lives of 10 or more people – not to mention the lives of family members and friends who have had to support the ill. About 1400 people are currently waiting for organ transplant in Australia at any one time.

Being a donor is giving people the gift of a second chance. To donate blood, call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au