The state's Red Cross has issued an urgent call for blood donations as supplies reach their lowest point this year.
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In particular, donations of O-Negative blood have fallen enormously, leading to a critical shortage.
"With our regular donors still being knocked out by cold and flu, we've seen the Blood Service's own reserves of O Negative dip to less than two days' supply after maintaining hospital stocks," said spokesperson, Nicky Breen.
O-Negative is the universal type that can be given to anyone in emergency situations.
Its versatility means it is used in up to 17 per cent of hospital presentations requiring blood work.
But it is also one of the rarest with only nine per cent of the population having the type.
In order to meet the current shortfall, the Red Cross is hoping 5000 donations of O-Negative will be made across the nation in the next two weeks.
It is expected 1600 of these will come from NSW, where the majority of regular donors exist.
"If you are O-Negative, someone in your family could be too," Ms Breen said.
"We're asking people to talk to their family and encourage them to donate."
Maintaining O-Negative supplies over winter is a typical challenge for the Blood Service, with colds and flu symptoms contributing to as many as 1300 appointment cancellations a day.
"We need others to step up - in this case people with O-Negative blood - to take the place of those who are unable to answer our call," Ms Breen said.
"With one in three of us needing donated blood or blood products in our lifetime, the life you save could be that of friend or family member."
Appointments can be made via the Wagga blood bank office on Berry Street, or by calling 13 14 95.