It is estimated that one in three people will need blood in their lifetime but currently only one in thirty people give blood.
Some people need regular blood transfusions due to ongoing illness and others will need a one-off life saving transfusion. A single donation by you, when separated into its components, can help at least three different patients and contribute to making up to 22 different products including potentially life-saving immunisations for chicken pox, hepatitis B and tetanus!
To encourage all eligible staff and students to donate blood we're participating in Club Red so we can keep a tally on the amazing contribution our staff and students make.
Eligibility
Most people are able to give blood if they:
- are aged between 16-70 years
- weigh more than 45kg
- are fit and healthy
The Red Cross have an online eligibility test.
Register for Club Red - Team Victoria University
To make sure your donation is added to the Victoria University tally you will need to register your details beforehand. Select "Victoria University" in the organisation or group field and leave the Division section blank.
Donating
The first thing to do is find your nearest donation centre!
If you look after yourself donating blood is easy! Make sure you have three big glasses of water prior to donating as well as a good meal.
The process is quite simple and will take around an hour:
- The nurse will greet you and ask for your ID
- The nurse will ask you to fill out a form confirming you are happy and healthy to donate
- There will be a quick interview to check your blood pressure and haemoglobin level
- The blood donation will take between 5 and 15 minutes.
Once you've donated blood stay seated for a few minutes to let your body get used to having a little less volume and have a drink.
Shuttle bus
The Australian Red Cross have arranged for a shuttle bus to take a group from the St Albans campus to a donation centre on Monday 8 September and Friday 19 September.
If you'd like to be on this shuttle bus as part of the VU group please email loredana.calipari@vu.edu.au for more information.
