Lifeblood's new data shows what hinders blood donors

Released on Tuesday in conjunction with World Blood Donor Day, the first 'State of Donation' survey showed that Australians underestimate how much donated blood is needed by patients each year.

Lifeblood executive director of Donor Services Cath Stone said that three quarters of respondents don't know that one in three people will need donated blood in their lifetime.

"At the same time, more than four out of five Australians are unaware only three per cent of the population - around half a million people - donates blood," she said.

"More than half of respondents thought there were at least three times as many blood donors than there are.

"Our existing blood donors can't do it alone. Escalating cold and flu cases, COVID, busy lifestyles and all sorts of other reasons mean cancellations remain high."

Lifeblood is trying to change theses misconceptions and are calling for 140,000 more donors across the country.

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Research also found that 41.1 per cent of those surveyed believe most donated blood is used for road accident and trauma patients, when in fact, most donated blood is used in cancer treatment.

One in two people surveyed want to give back and help others more than they did pre-pandemic and eight out of ten people would want a blood transfusion to save their life.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood's State of Donation survey will be conducted annually, with results released on World Blood Donor Day, to observe shifts and trends in community attitudes towards blood donation.

Seven thousand donations are needed this National Blood Donor Week.

Book a donation at www.lifeblood.com.au, via the free DonateBlood App or by calling 13 14 95.