Boost in donations since ‘mad cow’ ban scrapped

She became a donor to help others in need.

“I’ve always wanted to do it because many people can benefit from it, but also because Mum had cancer,” she said.

“I think that people should do it if they can.

“It’s a great way to give back, and the team is always friendly and helpful.”

Lifeblood spokesperson Shae Burns thanked Ms Stewart and everyone impacted by the scrapping of the ban for their donations.

People who lived in the UK for six months or more between 1980 and 1996, during which time there was an outbreak of ‘mad cow’ disease, had been banned from giving blood or plasma in Australia until a change to the rules in July 2022.

Those previously impacted now provide one in 10 donations.

“We expected 18,000 new donors would roll up their sleeves, but more than 34,000 have come forward nationally,” Ms Burns said.

“All up, more than 123,000 donations have been made over the past 12 months by people who lived in the UK between 1980 and 1996, which is a fantastic result.

“However, the reality is that with demand at its highest in a decade, we still need more donors to boost supplies.

“More than 800,000 people may have become eligible because of this rule change.”

Australia was one of the first countries to lift the ‘mad cow’ ban, which had been in place since 2000 as a precautionary measure.

A comprehensive review found that Australia could remove the ban while continuing to ensure that our blood supply remained one of the safest in the world.

Lifeblood regularly reviews eligibility rules to ensure that many can give blood without compromising safety.

To check your eligibility and book a donation, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.