The Lifeblood of Parramatta: Why 100,000 More Australians Need to Donate Blood
- Adeline Teoh
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
How You Can Save Lives by Donating Blood in Parramatta
By Adeline Teoh
Last year, Australians made more than 760,000 donations of blood – but 100,000 more of us need to step up to meet demand.
If you know any cancer patients, people with immune deficiencies or blood diseases, or anyone who has recently given birth, you’ll know that a fresh and safe supply of blood products is essential for their health and survival.
Collected by the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Centres, blood supplies in Australia are always in demand. The challenge is that blood can’t be stored for very long, so a consistent supply is appreciated.
Blood Donation Process
I first gave blood when I was 16, at a mobile blood bank that visited my high school. Although I wasn’t afraid of needles, I didn’t think it would be a pleasant experience and was surprised when it hurt far less – and resulted in a higher dose of feel-good dopamine – than I expected. Since then, I’ve gone on to donate more than 50 times, including plasma.
It’s straightforward to donate blood in Parramatta, though your first time does involve a little more paperwork than subsequent visits. You’ll be given a health questionnaire that’ll ask about any conditions that may influence your eligibility to donate. If that’s all in order, a nurse will take your blood pressure and prick your finger to measure your haemoglobin (iron).
If those measurements are in the eligible range, you’ll be led to a reclining chair where your details are confirmed, and a nurse will carefully insert a needle in your arm. The needle is connected to a bag that collects the blood, which sits on a rocking machine to ensure the blood doesn’t stagnate.
At this point, you’ll be instructed to squeeze a squishy toy every few seconds to keep the blood flowing. If you’re not squeamish, you can watch the bag fill up as well as check your progress with the number of millilitres collected – 470mL in total.
Afterwards, the needle is carefully removed, and you’ll be bandaged up. If you’re feeling fine, head on over to the rest area where a range of snacks and drinks are available to help with replenishment.
Making Blood Donation Fun
Admittedly, donating blood is not everyone’s idea of a fun time, but Lifeblood encourages donors to bring a friend with co-booking functionality on its app, or you can even create a team – for example, a workplace, club or family clan – and track donations on a local leaderboard.
There is no substitute for blood, so donating blood is one of the most precious voluntary acts of service you can perform to benefit someone in need. With less than 100 donation centres in Australia, we’re fortunate to have one right here in the neighbourhood – so what are you waiting for?
If you are a first-time donor:
Check whether you’re eligible to donate at donateblood.com.au.
Book an appointment – let them know it’s your first time.
Eat a solid meal and drink plenty of water prior.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions – the staff are trained to put you at ease.
Afterwards, share your contribution on social media and book your next appointment.
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