UNSW Lifeblood blood drive: Why your donation is important

Learn why blood donations are important and how you can help play a part.

Published on the 13 July 2026

The hand of a man who donates blood. Male donor gives blood in a mobile blood donation center. Blood samples. Hands of the nurse with protective gloves.

What exactly is a blood donation?

It is exactly as it says on the tin — it's blood taken straight from a donor from a vein in their arm via a needle. Once the blood is donated, it is carefully packed and sent to a processing centre for testing.

Once the blood is confirmed as safe to be used for patients, it is processed in a centrifuge (a gadget that spins the blood really fast) so that it's separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets.

These separated components are properly stored and sent to hospitals, where they are given to patients who need blood components.

Needles are involved?

Just the one. It's honestly not that bad.

Why should I donate blood?

Donating blood can help save lives, literally. Many people need regular blood transfusions to help treat their medical conditions, such as cancer, anaemia, blood disorders and surgery.

The big issue is that red blood cells only last 42 days from when they're donated. As Australia needs over 1.7 million donations every year to meet demand, it's important that healthy people continue donating blood where possible.

Donations ensure that there are enough blood products available to those who need them. According to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, a single blood donation can save up to three lives, and all it takes is a mere 30 minutes of your time.

Can I even donate blood?

To give blood in Australia, you must be:

Aged between 18 and 75 years old
Be feeling well
Weigh more than 50kg.

There are several other factors that may affect your eligibility, such as any medication you're currently taking, your medical history (such as whether you're pregnant or if your iron is low) and your travel history.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has a full eligibility quiz that you can take to help you figure out if you're able to donate blood.

Take the blood eligibility quiz

What happens at a blood donation?

In the hours before your donation appointment, make sure you:

Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated
Have something savoury to eat
Avoid any strenuous exercise
Write down any medicines you've taken or are currently taking
Bring a form of identification. This could be your driver's licence, passport or digital donor card.

When you arrive at the blood donation centre, the staff will:

Check your ID
Ask you to complete a donor questionnaire to check if you're eligible to donate blood
Do a quick finger-prick test to check that your haemoglobin levels are safe (haemoglobin is the stuff that makes your blood red)
Check your blood pressure.

Once you're given the okay, you'll be taken to a chair, prepped accordingly, and then the blood donation begins. The process will take about 20 or so minutes and the staff will look after you the whole time.

After you've donated blood, staff will make sure you rest for a few minutes before you get up from the chair. You can then go to the refreshment area for a drink and some snacks. Once you've stayed for about 15 minutes, you're free to go!

All in all, your whole appointment should take about an hour.

What is UNSW doing to help drive blood donations?

Blood drives are regularly held on the Kensington Campus. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood will typically bring a Mobile Blood Donor Centre to the campus, which allows students and staff to donate blood with minimal interruption to their day.

UNSW also has an existing Lifeblood Team, meaning donations made during the mobile visit can be counted toward UNSW’s overall tally. This is a great way to recognise and showcase the collective impact of the UNSW community.

July 2026 Lifeblood blood drive @ UNSW

A Lifeblood blood drive will be happening this July at the UNSW Kensington campus. This is a fantastic opportunity to donate blood to those who need it and save some lives, literally. Plus, you'll get some snacks and drinks, so it's a win-win!

What 🔍: Lifeblood Mobile Blood Donor Centre

Where 📍: UNSW Kensington, at the Car Park in front of Sir John Clancy Auditorium, Gate 9 High Street

When ⏱️: Monday 20 July – Friday 24 July

Make a blood donation booking