Every Drop Counts

Have you ever donated blood or plasma? Students living at the Australian National University’s residential halls and colleges gave an incredible 687 donations to the Blood Drive for ANU Residents 2024 by the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. Highlights from the blood drive were the amazing numbers of residents from Burton & Garran Hall and the new Yukeembruk village, who consisted of nearly half of all the new donors this year. This made a hugely positive impact to the Australian blood supply. An impressive number of new donors, 108 in total, were a part of this incredible effort.

For just an hour of your time per donation, this process changes lives. ANU students have continued to contribute to the life-changing work that Lifeblood achieves through donations of blood and plasma. Lifeblood ensured that in 2022/23, over 1 million blood products were delivered to hospitals and healthcare providers around Australia.

Don’t see the effect this has on people in your own life? For the 169,500 Australians with cancer diagnoses in 2024, the two thirds of all platelets from donated plasma that go to patients with cancer may just change their life. Over 30% of donated red cells are used in the treatment of cancer and blood diseases; other uses include anaemia, heart and organ surgeries, stomach and kidney diseases, fractures and joint replacements, as well as for pregnant women, new mothers, young children, and those impacted by road incidents.

With a weekly need of around 33,000 donations to meet demand, there has never been a better time to ‘be a life-saver’. Check if you’re eligible and find a location to donate.