Donate blood this year: NZ Blood
With 2023 well underway, some New Year’s resolutions may have already fallen by the wayside (whoops). It’s not too late, however, to initiate a new lifesaving resolution and start donating blood or plasma right now.
Aotearoa needs more than 4000 blood donations each week, but fewer than four percent of the population are donors. Demand for plasma is also growing. More than 7000 donors are needed in the next 12 months to keep up.
In total, NZ Blood – the sole provider of blood products to New Zealand – needs approximately 40,000 new donors this year to meet requirements. In 2023 demand is predicted to increase by four percent for blood and 10 percent for plasma.
Plasma’s a little different to blood – the collection process involves separating the red blood cells and platelets from the plasma. The red blood cells and platelets are returned to the donor’s body, while the plasma is processed.
In addition to helping those who may have lost blood through accidents, plasma is also used to create up to 11 lifesaving products including those which boost the immune system of people with low levels of antibodies, control autoimmune disorders, and provide clotting factor concentrates for people with bleeding disorders.
Each donation can save up to three lives, so it is a great resolution to make.
You can donate plasma every 2-3 weeks and blood every three months – making an appointment helps NZ Blood to know when to expect donors, what blood types will be collected, and to forecast stock levels.
An appointment will also be convenient for yourself as it will minimise the time you’ll spend at the centre.
Several donation sites operate throughout the South Island, including the Christchurch Donor Centre on Lester Lane, Tuam Street Plasma Centre, Dunedin Donor Centre on Crawford Street, as well as a mobile blood drive collection team.
In addition to starting a life-saving habit and making a difference, when you’re finished with your donation you’ll receive a wee treat of tea, coffee or juice, and a chocolate biscuit too.
Head to the website (adjacent) to book in an appointment today, or to find out more information.
Where the blood goes:
Of the total donations each year:
• 3% goes to children including those with cancer
• 6% to bone surgery
• 6% to pregnant women and babies
• 12% to liver, kidney and heart disease
• 21% to accident victims
• 26% to cancer patients
• 26% to other medical conditions and surgical treatments.
