Australia severely lacking blood; if you are over 16, please consider donating

[ninwa]

Australians are being urged to roll up their sleeves as the nation's blood supplies reach dangerously low levels.

The Red Cross says it has less than three days' supply of blood left across Australia and is appealing for donations.

All states are in critical need of donations, but the situation is particularly dire in Western Australia, which has less than a day's worth of blood remaining.

Only Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the ACT have more than three days' supply available.

You are generally eligible to give blood if you:
- are fit, healthy and not suffering from a cold, flu or other illness at the time of donation or in the previous 7 days
- are aged between 16-70 years
- weigh more than 45kg

Further information here

Sign up to become a donor here

[99.99]

Hey Ninwa, serious question. I'm overweight, will I still be able to donate?

I know it may sound stupid to you, but would like confirmation, if so, will donate on monday.

[Russ]

Everyone should get behind this, we had a blood drive at uni a month ago

As long as you're not severely/morbidly obese, there's no issue

[99.99]

Uhh, I'm 103kg and 186cm tall?

I'll ask a nurse and see.

[Russ]

I doubt there will be an issue with you, it's one of practicalities rather than health when it comes to extremely overweight people.

[ShortBlackChick]

Are you sure its 45kg??
Because I thought it was if you're between 16 and 18 you have to be over 50kg and have parental consent, but if you're over 18 the minimum weight is 45kgs.
Because thats whats stopped me from giving blood so far- I dont weigh 50kgs

EDIT: I just checked the site, what I thought was correct.

[taiga]

Uhh, I'm 103kg and 186cm tall?

I'll ask a nurse and see.

You should be okay, I'm 92 and a bit shorter than you and they were fine with me. I think it's moreso your health, ie if you can actually go out and are fine with cardio-vasc exercise, no diabetes etc.

Also calculating BMI off just height and weight isn't very accurate, you could be a very physically able person at 103 kgs with huge amounts of muscle and low bf%, or you could just be incredibly unfit, you'd be able to assess it yourself.

[99.99]

I can run 5km no problem, guess I'm healthy.

[taiga]

I can run 5km no problem, guess I'm healthy.

Should be fine then (Y)

[99.99]

Thanks for the help,

Have always wanted to donate blood but freaked out by the prospect of it, but guess it's time to man up and put community's needs ahead of my unfounded anxiety.

Thanks

[Special At Specialist]

I only donated blood because our school had some "blood bank" trip where we got out of class to go to Frankston and donate blood there. Plus some hot girls were going and I thought it was a perfect opportunity... Still, it turned out pretty good and they gave me free chocolate bars and everything. Definitely worth it

[JellyDonut]

. Plus some hot girls were going and I thought it was a perfect opportunity...

For them to draw blood from an alternate source?
dohoho

[Toothpaste]

I'm anaemic and unfortunately can't donate my crappy blood but to anyone who does it regularly, love you long time <3.

[ShortBlackChick]

If you give plasma they let you take home pretty much whatever food you like.
My dad rocks up with like 4 packets of those Zippy's chocolate milk in juice boxes and 4 packets of fruit cake slices.
Too bad they dont give those hard lollies anymore. Those blue ones were really really nice!!

[Camo]

Considering it next time one is in town. Was always willing to help, but I never see the damn van in country Vic!