June 14 is World Blood Donor Day which is celebrated around the world to raise awareness about the critical need for a sustainable and safe blood supply. This year the theme is:

"Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often."

To read more about this significant day please visit the World Health Organization’s website World Blood Donor Day 2023.

In Australia the Red Cross acknowledge this significant day on the health calendar with National Blood Donor Week (June 13-19).  Over 8.3 million Australians will need blood in their lifetime, and this provides an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to blood donors for volunteering every day to save lives. Visit the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website for further information National Blood Donor Week | Lifeblood.

Blood and blood products are essential resources for effective management and research into blood diseases such as inherited or acquired conditions like myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, haemophilia and von Willebrand disease. You can read about these on the PBI website under ‘about blood disorders’.

Perth Blood Institute (PBI) and our research

PBI’s Research division's mission is to improve patient outcomes through the development of targeted therapies. It does this by collecting validated clinical data and bio-banked biological material from patients with common and rare blood diseases. This provides the research team a better understanding of the molecular basis of diseases; improves knowledge; and allows PBI to develop new diagnostic tests and targeted therapies.

The fundamental (experimental) research conducted by PBI’s research scientists is vital in translating novel findings into new treatments and information to benefit clinical phase studies. Examples of fundamental research include molecular studies, cellular assays and studies on the properties of drugs and patient samples.

How PBI clinical trials patients benefit from donated blood.

Western Haematology and Oncology Clinic (WHOC), work closely with PBI and our clinical trials patients. Blood donated from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is used by WHOC to provide blood transfusions for some of our clinical trial patients with conditions like anaemia. The blood is matched with donations based on blood type and other antibodies they may need.

PBI follows strict protocols to protect staff and patients when receiving blood products and taking blood samples. Donating blood is an act of solidarity and our research and clinical trials teams would like to thank our blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood, enabling us to find out which treatments work better for patients and seeking innovative treatments that may ultimately cure blood disorders.

“A blood donation can save three lives as the blood is split into red cells, plasma and platelets.” Grace Gilmore, Research Scientist Murdoch University

Every blood or plasma donation is a precious gift. Donating blood is a significant and selfless way for eligible individuals to get involved and contribute to this world-wide event.