Australia needs over 1.7 million donations every year to meet demand which means three donations every minute. National Blood Donor Week in June encourages people to donate blood if you meet the eligibility criteria.

After blood is donated, the Australian Red Cross will usually separate it into red blood cells, platelets and plasma in their laboratories. Red blood cells only last 42 days from when they are donated.

Donated red cells help the following:

• 34% – cancer and blood diseases
• 19% – anaemia
• 18% – heart, organ and other no-orthopaedic surgeries
• 13% – stomach, kidney and other diseases
• 10% – fractures and joint replacements
• 4% – pregnant women and young children
• 2% – road incidents and other traumas

 If you would like to check if you are eligible to donate blood, click here. For more information on the work of the Australian Red Cross, click here.