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The original was posted on /r/australia by /u/chalk_in_boots on 2025-06-08 06:38:08+00:00.
I know I've harped on about this before in various threads, but I do it because it's important.
Currently there is a critical shortage of both O blood types across the country, and most states have at least one of the A or B types in the Low or Need More ranges, so this is to anyone who can donate, plasma is always needed too. This is largely because of the flu season kicking off and people getting sick and not being well enough to.
Also, I've met a few people who thought they can't donate but a lot of the restrictions have changed over the last few years and though you might not have before, you might be able to now. A few things I've heard:
- Like yours truly, lived in the UK during Mad Cow. This restriction got lifted during covid when levels got low
- Got a tattoo recently. As long as it was done at a licensed parlour and not by your mate's drunk cousin in his garage you can do plasma right away and blood after a week. Also you absolutely don't get to use the excuse that you're afraid of needles as a reason not to give!
- Gay, on PrEP etc. You're all good, though there's still a 3 month restriction after any fun adult activities with another man (even with a condom). Sucks I know, but it is considered higher risk for HIV, but good news for the folks who aren't getting any I guess.....
If you're not sure, here's the link to the eligibility quiz, it takes like 30 seconds to check. For first timers, you'll have to do whole blood before you can do plasma, but that's kinda good news because whole blood is much quicker. You'll literally spend more time doing the initial health screening with a nurse than you will in the chair, my last donation I cranked out a bag in like 5 minutes.
This literally saves lives, and it might be you or a loved one that ends up needing it (I had a minor operation last week and joked if they needed to give me plasma it'd probably just end up being my own). If that's not enough, I promise the snacks are great (the vegan sausage rolls are amazing and I'm a meat eater), if you time it right you can avoid nasty weather (super useful in summer...).
Also, if you do go in, sign up for the Lifeblood gifts program. Every third donation you get to pick a gift, the blanket is great around the house as it gets colder. They also sometimes do limited edition gifts, I've got a mini sunscreen, they had a canvas tote a while back with indigenous art on it.
And for the parents worried about childcare? I have on numerous occasions seen someone come in to donate, the kid hangs out in the rest area, staff are chill with it, there are snacks for them, just as long as they aren't causing chaos it's all good.
And even if you personally can't give, nothing stopping you bugging your mates to do it. Back before the UK restriction got lifted my buds at work would do it together regularly and I'd come along for moral support and the fetching of snacks for them while they gave.