1 in 3 needs blood, but only 1 in 30 donates.

We always need new donors to keep up with demand. This is where you come in.

Why every donation matters

Blood has a ‘use-by’ date

And it’s 42 days. Blood is a living tissue and like all living things, it has a limited lifespan. Red blood cells, the main component of donated blood, can only be stored for up to 42 days. After this time, they lose their ability to carry oxygen effectively, which means they can’t be used for transfusions.

The demand for blood never stops

Hospitals need a strong and steady supply of blood to treat patients. Since we can’t store blood for long periods, regular donations are crucial to make sure there’s always enough to meet the needs of patients. Want to know how strong your state’s blood supply is?

Check out the blood supply

Blood isn’t just for emergencies

Donated blood doesn’t just go to emergencies or surgeries. In reality, only 2% of all donations are used to treat trauma-related injuries such as road accidents. Blood is used in so many different ways and your donation can make a real difference.

How your donated red blood cells help

34%

Cancer and blood diseases

19%

Anaemia and other needs

18%

Heart, organ and other non-orthopaedic surgeries

13%

Stomach, kidney and other diseases

10%

Fractures and joint replacements

4%

Help pregnant women, new mothers and young children

2%

Road incidents and other traumas

Nearly 60% of the population can donate.

But only 3% do. Be one of the special few.

Check your eligibility

A new donor is needed every five minutes.

And each blood donation has the power to save up to three lives.

Become a donor

2 mins to book. 10 mins in the donation chair.

It’s easier (and quicker) than you think.

Find your nearest donor centre

Why are blood donors always in demand?

While it would be amazing if we could store blood forever, the reality is every donation has a shelf life.

a man seated in a donor chair and smiling

What’s behind Australia’s growing demand for blood donors?

Every year, Lifeblood needs to collect over 1.7 million blood donations. That’s a new donation every 18 seconds. Find out what’s driving demand and how you can help.

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