Have you ever thought about donating blood or plasma? In recognition of National Blood Donor Week, we’ve asked blood donors to share why they donate, and why they would encourage you to donate, too.
The first-timer
Kay donated for the first time this May.
“My sister regularly donates, so I thought I’d join her. It was really nice to go along with someone and give blood together. If it’s your first time donating, I’d definitely recommend finding a friend or family member to go with,” she said.
“When I was there, all the nurses and staff were so friendly, answering any questions I had and making sure I was comfortable. They even tell you to do these special exercises, like swinging your legs or pumping your arms, to help the blood donation go quicker.
It was really very simple, and it feels good to give back. I’m going to go back regularly with my sister from now on.”
The veteran
Cathy was living in Townsville when she first heard a radio call out for blood donors. She decided to roll up her sleeves and has now made more than 100 donations of blood and plasma over 30 years!
While she admits she’s still not a big fan of the needle, Cathy uses the time in the donation chair to relax, popping in her headphones and listening to music.
One thing Cathy really loves about donating, is knowing how vital and useful blood donations are.
“What I really like about what Lifeblood do now after you've donated your blood, they will send you a text message the next day to tell you where your blood is off to; who you're helping today. It's reassuring for me to know that it's going to a good place.”
The needle phobic
Stephanie said her needle phobia was so bad she was scared of going to donate not only the first, but the second and third time, too. However, she persevered and kept going back.
“Even though I get a bit anxious, I know that what I’m experiencing is nowhere near as bad as what the person who needs that blood is going through. It’s all about perspective,” she said
“I would tell anyone who is scared of donating that it’s really not as bad as you think. Just focus on the fact that you’re giving someone a second chance at life, and hopefully your fears won’t seem so hard to overcome.”
The recipient turned donor
As a recipient of blood products herself, Caitlin has first-hand experience of just how beneficial donations can be.
Caitlin has Rh (D) negative blood, which means she had to have anti-D immunoglobulin injections throughout both her pregnancies, to protect her unborn babies. Without these injections, Caitlin’s immune system could have created antibodies and attacked the blood cells of her babies.
The anti-D immunoglobulin injections can only be made from donated plasma. The majority of Australia’s anti-D plasma comes from a small pool of around 115 people who regularly give blood as part of Lifeblood’s anti-D program.
“I am so incredibly grateful to this small group of strangers who rolled up their sleeves to protect babies like mine, so I can cuddle them, kiss them goodnight and watch them grow,” Caitlin said.
“It also helped me understand the importance of donating not just blood, but also plasma.”
Plasma is the yellowish liquid part of your blood. When you give a blood donation, it contains some plasma. But, when you donate just plasma, you give about twice as much.
When Caitlin first gave blood, she was excited to learn that, because her blood is AB negative, she’s a universal donor for plasma. Her blood donations will most likely be used to create life-changing plasma treatments.
“It feels really good to be able to give back in this way – kind of like things have come full circle. I’d recommend you give it a go if you can. It’s only an hour of your time and it really does save lives.”
The emergency donor
Jack first donated to help during an emergency, then became a frequent donor.
“The first time I donated was in India during an emergency situation, when one of my lecturer’s relatives was admitted to hospital and was in need of O+ blood. I knew I belonged to the blood group. I had my hesitations, I was 18 then, but seeing nobody raise their hands in my class, I put up my hand.
“Later on, the lecturer came and thanked me personally and I was quite happy to hear that they were able to save the life of their relative. It was a very special feeling that my blood donation helped to save a life and ever since I have made it a point to make regular blood donations.”
Thinking about donating?
If you’re interested in donating blood, visit the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website to learn more about how blood donation works, who donations help and the types of donation possible. Take the quiz to find out if you are eligible to donate, or call 13 14 95 to talk to Lifeblood staff about donating.
Listen to our podcast on blood donation
If you just can’t get enough of the blood donation conversation, have a listen to episode 2 of our podcast It Can't Hurt To Ask. Dr Alison Gould from Lifeblood walks us through the blood products donation process. We also hear more from those who donate and those who rely on donated blood products.