- Australia has one of the safest blood supply systems in the world.
- You can donate whole blood every 12 weeks.
- O negative blood is universal and can be given to anyone.
- Plasma and platelet donations can be made every 2 weeks.
- Every whole blood donation can save 3 lives.
- 1 in 3 people will need blood. Only 1 in 30 gives blood.
- Australia needs over 27,000 blood donations every week.
- 470mL of blood is collected when you give whole blood.
- Within 24-48 hours of giving blood, your blood volume is completely restored.
- Giving blood only takes about an hour.
- Plasma donations can be used to make 17 different products.
- Red blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days.
- 34% of donated blood goes towards helping cancer patients.
- You can start giving blood at 16.
- The blood service has been collecting blood for over 80 years.
- Many donor centres have a courtesy bus.
- You can donate double platelets – helping twice as many people.
- Platelets have a shelf life of only 5 days.
School and Uni Groups
Club Red encourages students at school, TAFE or university to get a group of friends together and give blood.
Generally speaking, you can give blood if you:
- are aged 16 or over
- weigh more than 50kgs if you are under 18 or more than 45kgs if you are 18+
- are feeling healthy and well
- meet other eligibility guidelines - see FAQs for more details.
How do I join Club Red?
- Select a Club Red coordinator for your school or uni
- One person from your group needs to register and we’ll send you an information pack
- You can track your group donations online and see how many lives your group saves.
To find out more, take a look at our brochure and if you're interested in joining Club Red register here or call us on 13 14 95.
Club Red School Brochure (217k)
PARENTAL CONSENT FOR UNDER 18'S IN QLD OR WA
If you are under 18 years of age and live in Queensland or Western Australia a parental consent form is required. To meet State Government's requirements, we can only accept the attached form for consent purposes - we cannot accept written notes, letters or adapted forms.
The consent form also contains frequently asked questions by 16-17 old donors, and information about giving blood.
Consent form and FAQs - QLD & WAParent Consent Form (166k)
SCHOOL RESOURCES
If you want to find out more about blood or blood donation, take a look at our student resources section.
GOT A QUESTION?
If you have any questions please check out our FAQs. Alternatively, you can call us on 13 14 95 or complete the enquiry form.
If you are already a Club Red member or want to get involved, take a look through this section, or contact us for more information.