- 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.
Media Enquiries
NATIONAL
Director, Public Affairs & Communication
Fiona Gillies
T: 03 9863 1780
National Media Manager
Kathy Bowlen
T: 03 9863 2861
M: 0447 448 338
National Media Officer
Shaun Inguanzo
T: 03 9863 2858
M: 0467 796 204
STATE
Public Affairs Officer (NSW/ACT)
Jemma Falkenmire
T: 02 9234 2119
M: 0418 454 983
Public Affairs Officer (QLD)
Belinda Haynes
T: 07 3838 9304
M: 0457 535 468
Public Affairs Officer (VIC/TAS)
Erin Lagoudakis
T: 03 9694 3557
M: 0439 396 397
Public Affairs Officer (WA/NT)
Jessica Willet
T: 08 9219 1614
M: 0467 710 464
Public Affairs Officer (SA)
Danielle Ursini
T: 08 8412 6603
M: 0407 180 515