Historically, cold and flu symptoms wipe out as many as 900 blood donors a week.

Red Cross Blood Service spokesperson Ronny Maroun said that while all blood groups are important, the Blood Service is particularly appealing for more O negative donors.

“O negative is the universal blood type so it is critical to treating patients in emergency situations when their blood type is unknown to clinicians

“Only 9 percent of the population has the O negative blood type, yet there is a high demand for this blood group from hospitals,” he said.

Mr Maroun said an additional 25 donors were needed at Young.

“Around 500,000 Aussies actively give blood, but these numbers traditionally drop as the cold weather sets in.

“We’re seeing donors cancelling appointments, because you need to be feeling 100 per cent fit and well to donate,” he said.

“The need for blood never stops, and patients fighting cancer, infections and blood diseases are relying on donated blood to keep them healthy throughout winter.

“Only 3 per cent of the Young population donate blood, yet 1 in 3 will need it in their lifetime.”

The Mobile Blood Bank will be at 255 Boorowa Street on Monday, August 15 (9.30am-2.30pm), Tuesday, August 16 (1pm-7.30pm) and Wednesday, August 17 (8am-2pm).

Donors are encouraged to drink four glasses of water or juice in the hours leading up to their donation.

Donors should also have a good sized breakfast or lunch before they donate blood.

They are also required to provide photo identification when attending their appointment.

Anyone between the age of 16 and 70 years who is healthy and weighs more than 50kg may be eligible to donate blood.

“C’mon Young, roll up your sleeves and donate blood.’

To make an appointment to donate blood this winter - call 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au.