Australian Red Cross calls for Filipino and Pacific Islander blood donors

The Australian Red Cross is appealing to people of Pacific Island or Filipino background to give blood for patients who need a rare blood type.

The Australian Red Cross is calling for rare blood type donors Source: Getty Images/choja

Highlights

• The Australian Red Cross has exhausted its supply of this rare blood type
• People of Filipino background are urged to roll up their sleeves and donate blood
• Donors need to register online to get involved

Lifeblood is currently experiencing a shortage of this rare blood type as existing donors are unable to donate again for almost 12 weeks.

“We currently have several patients of Polynesian and Filipino heritage, who have a rare blood type that is only found in those with similar ethnic backgrounds,” Dr James Daly, Lifeblood Medical Director said.

“These patients have a medical condition that means they may require multiple blood transfusions over the next few months, including one patient who is undergoing numerous rounds of chemotherapy.”

This rare blood type can be found in around one in every 100 blood donors tested who have this background.

Are you eligible?

• You must be of Polynesian, New Zealand Maori or Filipino background
• You must have ‘O’ or ‘A’ blood type (If you’re unsure of your blood type, you can still donate)

How to donate

1. Go to donateblood.com.au or call 13 14 95 and mention ‘Rare Donor Drive'
2. Follow the prompts to Log in or Register
3. You may visit one of the 90 donor centres, and advise any of the staff that you would like to register to the Pacific Donors Lifeblood Teams which will help track your donations.
4. Make an appointment at one of over 90 Lifeblood centres across Australia.

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