In less than 48 hours since the Bondi Beach terror attack on Sunday 14 December, nearly 50,000 Australians have registered to donate blood and plasma – more than double Lifeblood’s previous record.
According to The Guardian, Australian Red Cross’s Lifeblood said that 7,810 donations of blood, plasma and platelets across Australia were made on Monday alone, after the agency had issued several life-threatening orders for O negative blood in the wake of the incident (only 7% of the population are O negative).
“We’ve seen an overwhelming, record breaking response from the community,” Lifeblood stated on its official Instagram account on Tuesday, encouraging any healthy adult aged 18-75 to continue considering donating blood or plasma over the holiday period, “as the need is ongoing into January”.
“Lifeblood teams work 24/7, including extending operating hours at some donor centres this week to collect your donations. We encourage you to book your donation, to ensure you’re not waiting too long to donate,” the statement read.
How to donate blood after the Bondi Beach attack
Due to high amounts of traffic, Lifeblood’s Donor Centre Search online is running slower than usual, however bookings can still be made on the Lifeline website here.
Long queues outside Lifeblood’s Sydney Town Hall donor centre on Monday showed the power of communities coming together to support victims of Sunday’s terror attack. Two alleged gunmen fired shots at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening when Jewish community members gathered for a Hanukkah celebration. At the time of publishing this article, it’s confirmed 16 people have died (including one of the alleged gunmen) and 40 people have been injured.
In a press conference on Monday, NSW Premier Chris Minns also encouraged people to donate blood, saying, “if you are looking for something practical to do, you could give blood”.
“We saw extraordinary scenes from New South Wales public hospitals last night. Emergency departments at the drop of a hat were in the process of saving scores of lives,” he said.
“They did an incredible job but they need your help. They need blood. If you’re thinking about doing an act of public service in the coming 24 hours, I’d urge you to contact the Red Cross.”
Other ways to show support
The NSW government has also established an online condolence book that can be accessed here. A memorial site has also been established at the rear of Bondi Pavilion for anyone who wishes to lay flowers.
Support is also available to you
The NSW Government has included a list of resources here including how to access mental health support available on the ground in Bondi and Coogee, and details of the Victims Support Scheme. Confidential support is also available via these mental health support lines:
- NSW Health’s dedicated Mental Health Line, which is available 24/7 on 1800 011 511.
- For crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
- Children and young people can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au.
- For non-crisis support, please talk to your GP or other trusted health or mental health professional.
- You can also call Beyond Blue for mental health advice and support on 1300 22 46 36.
Top photo – Pictured: Cherilyn Herbert is seen giving blood and plasma at Lifeblood, Town Hall in Sydney. Source: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts