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.

Blood isn’t just for emergencies

When we think of donating blood, our minds usually jump to emergencies — like helping car crash victims or people undergoing surgery. In reality, only 2% of all donations are used to treat trauma related injuries like road accidents. Every day, countless Australians rely on blood products. Let’s dive into the lesser known (but just as vital) reasons Australians need blood, and find out what’s really driving demand for this lifesaving donation.

“Did you know 57% of Australians are eligible to donate blood, but just over 3% do?"

Cancer treatment

Blood cancer patients are the biggest recipients of blood transfusions. Over a third of all whole blood donations are used in the treatment of cancer. While blood donations don’t fight the cancer itself, they do help patients stay healthy enough to undergo treatments that can, like chemotherapy. Without blood transfusions, treatments like chemo would be far more gruelling and, in some cases, impossible.

Chronic illness

For recipients living with a chronic illness, a blood transfusion may not be a rare occurrence. Australians living with chronic conditions such as kidney disease, thalassemia or haemophilia, rely on blood transfusions. But it’s not just about helping them survive — it’s about giving them a chance to truly live a normal life. For some of these recipients, blood transfusions don’t just happen once or twice in their lifetime, but up to once or twice every month!

Plasma based treatments

Over 50% of your blood is made up of a substance called plasma which is a key component of many types of medication. Plasma based medicine can be used to treat everything from burns to tetanus, and even immune disorders. In Australia, plasma donations are used in eighteen life-giving ways, but this is only the beginning. Scientists are researching new ways to use this incredible donation, ensuring demand will continue to rise in the future.

How you can help

Did you know 57% of Australians are eligible to donate, but just over 3% do? If you've already rolled up your sleeve to give — thank you — you’re a true life-saver. If you haven’t, we need you! As Australia’s need for blood continues to rise new donors are always in demand. Book a donation today and do your bit to help those in need.