- 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.
How else can I help?
What if I can't give blood at all - how else can I help?
There are plenty of other ways you can help us
Ask friends and family to donate blood
Less than 3% of all Australians actually donate blood, whereas 1 in 3 of us will need blood or a blood treatment at some time during our lives.
Organise a group to donate blood
Why not coordinate a group donation for your business, local sporting or community service club? You can find all the details in our Club Red section, or you can call us on 13 14 95 to discuss group donation options.
Become a volunteer
Because you understand the vital importance of blood donation, you are the ideal person to assist us as a volunteer at your local blood donor centre. Whatever your availability is, your assistance in welcoming blood donors and making them at ease at their next donation is invaluable.
Spread the word
If you are a social media user you can help spread the word on the importance of blood donation by following us on Facebook and Twitter or by posting an update to your profile.