Following the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday night, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood have issued urgent requests for the public to donate blood – particularly anyone with type O negative blood. Thousands of Australians have rolled up their sleeves in response to the call.
UNSW experts are available to comment on why there is such a high demand for blood donations, the community response to crisis events and how blood donations assist in emergencies like these.
Dr Yasmin Mowat, Clinical Program Manager at the UNSW Kirby Institute, can comment on:
- What a surge in demand for blood donations means following a traumatic event
- Why hospitals need blood donations urgently, specifically type O negative blood
- How the public can donate blood effectively, without increasing the strain on Lifeblood services
- Read Dr Mowat’s story in The Conversation here.
Professor John Kaldor, public health expert, UNSW Kirby Institute, can comment on:
- How public health professionals respond to major crisis events, including increased demand for blood donations
- The impact an increased demand for blood donations has on the wider health system
- Understanding eligibility criteria for those looking to donate.
Contact details:
To arrange an interview with Dr Mowat or Professor Kaldor, please contact UNSW Media via [email protected] or (02) 9385 2864.