Did you know the average blood donation is about 470 millilitres?
That each donation travels on average 372 kilometres from donor to patient? That's like driving from Canberra to Sydney.
Or that the Defence Blood Drive began in 2009 and is the longest-running blood drive in Australia?
The Defence Blood Drive 2025 runs from September 1 to December 8 and the demand is ever growing, with one-in-three Australians needing blood or blood products in their lifetime, yet only one-in-30 donating.
Director General of Garrison Health and Director General of Navy Health Services, Commodore Katherine Tindall, said the event reflected Defence's commitment to the community and service to the nation.
"Defence personnel serve to keep Australians safe and the Defence Blood Drive is an extension of their service," Commodore Tindall, a medical doctor and 2025 Defence Blood Drive ambassador, said.
"It shows Defence cares for the community and is always ready to help. Defence also understands the importance of blood in general and why blood donation is so critical."
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood chief executive Stephen Cornelissen said he was thrilled to see the life-saving legacy of our Army, Navy and Air Force continue.
"Each year Defence personnel take their role in supporting our country to a new level, donating much-needed blood and plasma without hesitation," Mr Cornelissen said.
"They are role models for our community, and I look forward to seeing what can be achieved this year amid a growing demand for blood and plasma.
"Every donation can be life changing or even life saving for those who need it."
The Defence Blood Drive promotes a healthy rivalry between the services as well as Australian Public Service employees in Defence to see which group can achieve the most donations.
Last year, people who donated to the Defence Blood Drive gave enough to save almost 30,000 Australian lives.
Defence supports and encourages ADF personnel and APS staff to donate during work time at a Mobile Donor Unit or by visiting a Lifeblood centre.
The Defence Blood Drive runs until December 8.
Visit the Lifeblood website to find a donor centre near you.
