NZ Blood Service said donations decreased over the summer months because people went on holiday and students were out of town.
A spokesperson said this meant the blood service was looking for 1500 more donors in Dunedin over December and January to fill available appointments.
At the same time as donations decreased, 55,323 units of blood, plasma and platelets were issued to patients across New Zealand between December 2021 and the end of January last year.
With demand expected to increase 4% the blood service was seeking to fill 1500 appointments between now and end of January. Each week, 250 donations were needed to meet the medical needs of the Otago region.
NZ Blood Service donor relations team leader Atawhai Te Hau said it was no surprise donations decreased over the holiday period
"People are taking a well-deserved break over Christmas and so giving blood isn’t really on their minds."
To combat this, the NZ Blood Service was hoping to add extra "late nights" where the centre was open until 6.45pm as well as running nearly 170 mobile drives nationwide.
"We want to meet people in the middle and make it as easy as possible to donate blood and save a life", Ms Te Hau said.
The NZ Blood Service welcomed all blood donations but at present was seeking more A+ blood, which was about a third of the population.
To check if a mobile blood drive is in your area or to book an appointment, the service recommends downloading its app or calling 0800448-325.
By Rafael Clarke
