Make a New Year resolution to give blood

The New Year has traditionally been a time when people think about giving things up, but this year NHS Blood and Transplant is asking people to make a new kind of resolution and register to give blood.
Make a resolution to give blood EMN-170201-120128001Make a resolution to give blood EMN-170201-120128001
Make a resolution to give blood EMN-170201-120128001

By giving up just one hour of your time you could save or improve up to three lives.

A new online survey carried out by NHS Blood and Transplant highlights confusion and myths about who is able to donate.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Of the 2,126 adults surveyed, 20% believed it was true that having a tattoo would prevent them from donating, 16% felt the same about piercings, 15% believed that you can’t donate if you smoke and 3% thought vegetarians wouldn’t be able to donate. *

Potential donors are being urged to check the donation criteria on the blood.co.uk website.

While people currently need to wait four months after a new tattoo or piercing, there are no specific criteria preventing smokers or vegetarians from donating. Many people who believe they can’t donate, may discover they can.

NHS Blood and Transplant always needs first time donors to replace those who can’t donate any more, and to ensure they have the right mix of blood groups to meet patient needs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

More than half of current blood donors are aged over 45 so it’s especially important they recruit younger people to donate blood now and in the years to come. By becoming a blood donor you can help ensure patients have access to the blood they need, when they need it.

NHS Blood and Transplant needs donors from all blood groups and communities, but is particularly looking for new donors from black and Asian communities, and donors with the universal blood group O negative.

Mike Stredder, director of Blood Donation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The New Year has traditionally been a time when people think about giving things up. This year we’re asking people in Lincolnshire to make a new kind of resolution and register to give blood. Or if you’ve already done so but haven’t managed to donate, we’d love to welcome you to one of our sessions in 2017.

“It’s easy to sign up to become a blood donor and book an appointment, online, via an app or on the phone. Each donation can potentially save up to three lives. In 2017 don’t just give up, give.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In general, as long as you are fit and healthy, weigh over 7 stone 12 lbs (50kg) and are aged between 17 and 66 (up to 70 if you have given blood before) you should be able to give blood. If you are over 70, you need to have given blood in the last two years to continue donating.

If you’re already a blood donor, why not look into whether you could become a platelet donor. They particularly need donors with the A negative blood group as they can help any patient, regardless of blood type. One platelet donation can help up to three adults or twelve babies or children.

It’s quick and easy to register to become a blood donor, visit www.blood.co.uk, download a give blood app, search ‘NHSGiveBlood’ in the app store or contact 0300 123 23 23.

You can donate platelets at your nearest donor centre. If you already give blood, ask about platelet donation at your next appointment.

Related topics: