Six Reasons Why You Should Definitely Consider Donating Blood

The side benefits of saving a life.

This post is presented in partnership with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

If one of your mates has recently donated blood, you might be wondering whether you should too.

Donating blood can sometimes be a little nerve-wracking, especially if you aren’t a fan of needles (or blood), but facing your fears can be so much more rewarding than you might think!

So, here's why you should totally consider donating blood, from the super rewarding reasons (like saving someone's life), to the fun reasons (like the free snacks).

1. You will save a life (or a few).

The best and most obvious benefit of donating blood is the chance that you have to save somebody’s life.

In fact, every blood donation can help save up to three lives, which is pretty amazing considering the donation itself only takes about 15 minutes.

According to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, blood donations help to treat many people, including those with cancer, anaemia, burns, and blood, heart or kidney diseases. It can even help people who need surgery, or during pregnancy and childbirth.

 2. Be part of a Lifeblood Team.

Lifeblood Teams is Lifeblood's group donation program. 

You can join a Lifeblood Team with your work colleagues, study mates, friends or family and donate together. This not only makes it a little easier if you're a bit nervous, but it is also a great way to encourage others to donate blood too.

Find out how to change lives here.

3. You’ll find out your blood type.

Are you a rare AB positive? Or a universal O negative?

If you’re one of the many people who don't know their blood type, this is the perfect way to find out!

Along with testing for your blood type, the team at Lifeblood will do a series of short check-ups including testing your iron levels and blood pressure. They want to make sure you’re fit and healthy enough to give blood.

Lifeblood tests all blood donations in Australia for a number of serious infections to protect the patients who will receive it. These tests can’t replace a trip to the doctor, but Lifeblood will contact you if your tests show anything abnormal and provide counselling, referral and support.

So, you can kill two birds with one stone: get yourself checked and help save a life. Plus, it’s completely free! 

4. You learn about the journey of your blood.

When you give blood, you’ll learn about how and when it might be used.

We already mentioned that one of the best things about donating is knowing you’ve helped save someone’s life. You’ll be excited to know that Lifeblood will send you a sweet text message telling you when and where your blood donation is going. So, you’ll know you’ve made a difference.

You can find out more about the whole process, along with some of the people whose lives have been saved thanks to blood donors on Lifeblood’s website.

5. Get a sneaky treat.

After you donate blood, you will have the chance to chill out and eat some tasty snacks (um, yes please?). 

You'll be treated to a complementary cool drink and snack, and you can take a free water or sports drink with you after you leave. Every donor centre is different—you might find cheese and crackers, milkshakes, party pies, fruit cake, or cookies to munch on after donating. Who doesn’t love free food? You’ve earned it!

6. The need for blood never stops.

Of course, the most important reason why you should consider donating blood is because it is in such high demand.

Australia needs 33,000 blood donations every week. To help meet the need, you can give blood every 12 weeks. Or, if you want to enjoy a cheeky snack more often, you can give plasma as often as every two weeks.

If you want to make a difference, head to Lifeblood’s website to find out how to change lives.

Header Image: SDI Productions via Getty Images