I’ve helped save the lives of over 50 people. No, I’m not a firefighter or a doctor. I just donate blood.
Did you know that 1 in 3 Australians will need blood in their lifetime? Some may be in an accident and need a transfusion. Others have medical conditions which mean they need blood products regularly to stay alive. There are no perfect substitutes for human blood and it’s only through blood donations that these people will survive.
You’ve probably walked past one of the Red Cross Lifeblood vans and thought to yourself, I should donate, yet you’ve kept on walking. I’m here to tell you to stop at the van or pull out your phone and get online and make an appointment. Right now.
Donor centres are still open in lockdown areas as donating blood is an essential service. You can also donate at donor centres outside of your home suburb. While lockdown means many services are temporarily paused, the need for blood donations remains the same. Donated blood only last 42 days and every minute Australia needs 3 blood donations.
During Covid there are fewer people donating blood due to concerns over transmission of the virus. However, there are no confirmed reports of coronavirus being transmitted by blood transfusion anywhere in the world and all donor centres have stringent measures in place to ensure your safety.
If having a reason to get out of your house during lockdown is not enough of a reason to book in a blood donation, then check out all these other benefits for donating.
SAVE LIVES
It’s an amazing feeling knowing you are doing your part to save lives. Every time you donate blood, you can help up to 3 or 4 individual recipients.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Donating blood stimulates blood cell production which helps in maintaining good health. It’s also helps in lowering the risk of cancer and heart disease and reduces risk of hemochromatosis, a health condition that arises due to excess absorption of iron by the body. Plus, it is also beneficial in reducing the risk of heart and liver ailments caused by iron overload in the body.
FREE HEALTH CHECK UP
Before you donate you will undergo some basic health checks such as testing your blood pressure. They’ll also test for infectious diseases.
LOSE WEIGHT
One blood donation will shed as many calories as a good workout. Has there ever been a better excuse to skip the gym!
FREE SNACKS
Did I mention free snacks? Yep, it will vary at each location, but I guarantee cookies!
NO MORE EXCUSES
If you are between the age of 18 and 75 and are in good health, then you will most likely meet the requirements to donate blood. There are exceptions such as getting a recent tattoo, being pregnant, or engaging in high risk activities. Head to the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website and take their eligibility quiz and then book yourself an appointment today. Be a hero.