Every year on the 14th of June, World Blood Donor Day is celebrated. It is an initiative organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The aim of the day is to raise awareness about blood donation and the need for safe blood and blood products for transfusion. It is also celebrated to share appreciation of the critical contribution of voluntary blood donors in saving lives.

One in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime! However only around 1 in 30 Australians give blood each year (a total of 3%).

During Covid fewer Australians were donating blood than usual, with round 900 donors cancelling appointments each day. This drop makes it now more important than ever to donate.

San specialist Haematologist, Dr Lisa Clarke, joins John Stanley now to discuss the importance of blood donation.

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