Did you know that the most popular blood type, O+, is the lowest in supply in Australia at the moment.

In Australia, just over 3% of the population donate blood, but it is estimated that one in three Australians will need blood or blood products at some point in their life. This includes people undergoing surgery, childbirth, chemotherapy, or trauma, among other reasons.

You can do a simple quiz to see if you are eligible to make a donation.

Every donation can help to save up to 3 lives.

The actual donation, where the blood is drawn, only takes about 10 minutes. The entire process is around 1 hour, this includes a brief interview before the donation and a recovery period afterward. You will also have a drink and a little snack to help to replenish fluids and electrolytes lost during the donation.

There are many bloods types, some more rare than others. Your blood type can be used for either plasma, blood or platelets.

The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Bus will be at the PCYC Car park in Muswellbrook on the 7th, 8th and 9th of July.

Click here to book an appointment to donate blood.