The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is asking Queenslanders to donate blood to save a life this Christmas.

Donations have dwindled in the state following lockdowns, and coupled with a record-high spike in no shows, it’s been “a bit of a challenge”, Communications Manager Belinda Smetioukh says.

“About 50 per cent of all people who make an appointment currently aren’t showing up for it,” she said.

“Next year, we need 140,000 new blood donors to meet the patient demand across the country, and that’s a huge increase.

“We’re urging people to take that ‘Bloody Oath’ and make a promise to donate blood.”

Press PLAY below to hear who can donate blood

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