Brought to you by GiveBlood.ie
One in four people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives.
Today, June 14th, is
World Blood Donor Day, and it's the perfect time to reflect on just how vital regular blood donors are.
The demand for blood and blood products in Ireland is growing, with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service requiring in excess of
3,000 donations each week to maintain the national supply of blood to hospitals.
So, whether you've never donated blood before, or you'd like to donate more frequently, check your eligibility and book your next appointment today on the IBTS website GiveBlood.ie.
So why is it so important that people donate? We've put together a comprehensive list of reasons why below.
1. People's lives depend on it
Simply put, giving blood saves lives. Blood is given to newborn babies, to cancer patients, to accident victims, to patients undergoing obstetrics emergencies, heart operations and hip operations. One unit of blood can help up to three people, and you never know when your loved one might depend on a transfusion.
2. An ongoing supply is essential
Hospitals depend on a constant supply of blood in order to care for patients and save lives, and this is only possible thanks to the people who make the time to give blood. The demand for blood is constant. Blood only has a shelf life of 35 days – a constant supply week in, week out is required.
3. It's a super simple process
The process of giving blood takes between one and two hours, and there are three permanent blood donation clinics in Ireland. You can give blood in
St. Finbarr's Hospital, Cork, and in the
D'Olier Street and
Stillorgan clinics in
Dublin. What's more, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service runs mobile clinics operating nationwide operating from mobile clinic teams based in
Ardee,
Cork, Dublin, Tuam,
Limerick and
Carlow.
During your visit, you'll fill out a health and lifestyle questionnaire, and if it's your first time, or if you haven't donated in 5 years, a nurse will run through it with you. After a quick haemoglobin check, you'll get the go-ahead to give blood, and the actual process takes between 10 and 15 minutes. Once the donation is complete, you'll proceed to the canteen where you can rest up and enjoy some refreshments. Kick back for 10 minutes and celebrate the fact that you will have saved or improved somebody's life!
Give blood today
It's estimated that one in four people will need a blood donation at some point in their lives, and yet only 3% of the population that are eligible to give blood do so. Check your eligibility today and find your nearest clinic by heading to
GiveBlood.ie
Brought to you by GiveBlood.ie 
