For Alex Robinson, giving plasma is more than just helping out. She started donating at 21, when she was in a dark place mentally.
“I actually started [donating] as a way to help curb suicidal ideation and self-harm,” she said.
“When I couldn’t find a reason to go on for my own sake, I would remind myself that if I could just hold on for two more weeks, I could be the reason three other people got a chance to keep living too.”
Alex is a seasoned donor. The 32-year-old has an appointment to donate plasma every two weeks. It is as much a part of her routine as is going to work.
Alex has been donating for 11 years and doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon. Once a fortnight you’ll find her at Lifeblood and nothing, not even her first date with her partner, has been able to keep her from her appointment.
“My first date with my partner, Benny, almost 10 years ago even involved him waiting for me in the reception area, because I refused to skip my appointment,” she said.
“While I am in that chair, everything gets put on hold, and I give 45 minutes so that other people can potentially enjoy another 45 years.”
Alex makes her donation every fortnight at the Shepparton Lifeblood centre. There, she takes the chance to relax and disconnect from her busy schedule as she donates plasma or blood — whatever is needed more on the day.
The centre is open Monday to Friday, including public holidays and every second Saturday. Donors can give blood and plasma, and play a part in changing lives.
In Shepparton alone, the past year has seen over 2500 donors come through the centre’s doors. More than 8400 donations have been made, helping thousands of people receive the treatment they need.
With 33,000 blood and plasma donations needed every week and one blood donation helping save up to three lives, there’s no better time to check your eligibility and donate.
More than 200 donations later, Alex plans to continuing donating plasma, as long as she’s able to.
She said Shepparton Lifeblood staff were like her friends, always ready to hear about her life. She’s even gotten her partner on board, with donating blood together becoming a key part of their relationship.
“If you’re looking to be a regular somewhere, there’s no better place than Lifeblood,” Alex said.
For a full list of eligibility requirements, visit www.lifeblood.com.au/blood/eligibility
