Learning to save lives: Why your college years are the perfect time to start giving blood

During your college years, it’s easy to get swept up in your immediate reality of exams, essays, friendships and relationships. But as you kick off this new chapter in your life, it’s important to also engage with the wider world beyond your campus – and one brilliant way to make a real difference is by giving blood.

Only 3% of the eligible Irish population currently give blood – despite the fact that one in four people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives. Every year, thousands of patients rely on people like you, so that they can receive vital blood transfusions when undergoing surgery, recovering from cancer, or following a serious accident. To meet this demand, over 3,000 blood donors are needed each week in Ireland.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is the body responsible for the national blood supply, and operates blood donation clinics all over the country. As highlighted through its ongoing colleges campaign, and collaboration with AMLÉ (the newly renamed Union of Students in Ireland), giveblood.ie is always calling out for students and young people to become first-time donors – with 17% of its current blood donors aged between 18 and 25.

By encouraging younger people to start giving blood early, giveblood.ie aims to see more and more people making blood donation part of their normal routine as they progress through life. That’s why beginning to donate as a student – before you're juggling full-time jobs and families – is so crucial. And, with Ireland's donor base getting older, there's never been a more important time to get involved as a younger donor.

If you’re aged 18 or over, the first step to giving blood is to head over to giveblood.ie, to take the online New Donor Eligibility Quiz. You’ll be asked straightforward questions about your health, history and recent activities – and if you prove eligible, you’ll be encouraged to book your first appointment. You’ll also find a list of nearby clinics on the website, allowing you to find a time and location that fits your schedule.

On the day of your appointment, don’t forget to bring a photo ID. After filling out a questionnaire, and speaking to a trained healthcare professional, you'll have your haemoglobin tested, through a small drop of blood taken from your fingertip. The blood donation itself only takes about eight minutes, during which you’re closely monitored by a staff member.

Afterwards, you’ll be invited to enjoy some refreshments and rest for at least 15 minutes – allowing you to rehydrate, and head back out into the world feeling your best. From arrival to departure, you’re encouraged to allow around 60–90 minutes for the entire process.

If you want to make a real difference to another person’s life, make that appointment. It’s thanks to the generosity of people like you we can meet and sustain the blood supply to Irish hospitals. You’re saving lives, with just a quick visit to the clinic.

To become a donor, or to check your eligibility, go to giveblood.ie