21% drop in blood donors in Ireland in 10 years

There has been a 21% decrease in the number of new blood donors coming forward to donate in Ireland.

A total of 21% fewer people came forward to donate in 2015, compared with 2010’s figures, according to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS). The average age of a blood donor has also increased in Ireland.

Last year the average age of a donor was 40.8 years, whereas, in 2005, it was 38.4 years.