Red bandage sparks conversations around blood donation

BLOOD and plasma donors have become easier to recognise with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood permanently replacing its white arm bandages with branded red bandages.

The change was made to coincide with National Blood Donor Week, held earlier this month, and is designed to promote discussion around donating.

“Research has also shown that people who wear branded donation bandages are perceived by others to be generous, warm, healthy and altruistic,” Lifeblood acting CEO Cath Stone said.

“A new blood donor is needed every five minutes in Australia, and that means we need people talking and thinking about blood and plasma donation and encouraging each other to roll up their sleeves.

“We know that branded post-donation bandages are a great way to start conversations and boost awareness about blood donation.”

More than 1.7 million donations are required every year to meet demand, which is currently at a 12-year high.

The inaugural branded bandage includes the Life is the Reason campaign tag line.

The campaign was launched last September to encourage 100,000 new donors a year to find their reason to donate blood or plasma.

To book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood App.