Blood donation numbers are concerningly low across the country, but do you know where your donation goes? National Blood Donor Week (13-19 June) might just be the best time to find out.

In Australia, just over 3.5 per cent of adults are blood donors,meaning that 13 million Australians may be able to donate, but don’t. 

According to LifeBlood, misconceptions are hindering people from choosing to become a donor. 



Lifeblood Executive Director Cath Stone said that despite Australia’s population growing by three million in the last decade, the number of people who donate hasn’t grown. 

“More than half of respondents thought there were at least three times as many blood donors than there are,” Ms Stone said. 

The vast overestimation is met with a similar underestimation of how important the supply is, with three quarters of LifeBlood research respondents unaware that 1 in 3 people will need donated blood in their lifetime.

Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti is raising awareness of the crucial role of blood donations, and the difference an increase in donors would make. 

“The reality is if 18of these Australians signed up today to become a monthly blood donor, that would be enough donated blood to treat just one person diagnosed with blood cancer,” Mr Tanti said. 

The research revealed that despite three quarters of Australians knowing someone with cancer, it remains a mystery to them that one third of all red blood cell donations in the country is used to treat the disease, particularly blood cancer.

With over 50 Australians diagnosed with blood cancer every day, the country is desperate for more blood donors.

“By 2035, we’ve projected there will be 275,000 Australians living with a blood cancer diagnosis, which means by then we could need more than double the number of blood donations available to treat these people in the coming years.” 

The closest blood donation centre to the Western Plains- Dubbo - required 130 donors each week.

“This National Blood Donor Week, if you’re eligible, please consider giving blood with the knowledge you are potentially offering an invaluable lifeline to one of the growing number of Australians living with blood cancer reliant on this liquid gold,” Mr Tanti said.

If you’re 18-75 years old, healthy and weigh over 50kg, you may be able to give blood. Visit lifeblood.com.au to see if you’re eligible or to make an appointment or call 13 14 95.