BLUF

Each week, Australia needs around 29,000 blood donations—and ADF members are helping reach that target—but why is it that some people only donate once?

Summary

Australian Defence Force members are renowned for putting their nation before themselves, so it’s no wonder so many ADF members volunteer to donate blood. Some members donate all-year-round, while others like to get involved in the annual Defence Blood Challenge. However, research has found that around 40 per cent of Australian blood donors fail to re-donate. Likely, ADF members are also included in these statistics. Researchers believe there are both physical and psychological reasons for this and help find strategies to ensure Australia continues to have a reliable supply of blood products needed for its blood donation program. This article lists some simple tips for creating a better blood-donation experience.

Learn why so many blood donors don’t return to donate a second time.

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