A bandage never looked so good

New research from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood shows people wearing blood donation bandages are seen as generous, healthy, and therefore, potentially more attractive. 

To help donors look even better and boost the nation's blood stocks, Lifeblood's True Colours campaign launches this week, calling on new and existing donors to book a donation and snap up a limited-edition artwork bandage before 14 November. 

As part of the campaign, Lifeblood has partnered with six Aussie artists, including internationally renowned artist Ken Done, to design a vibrant range of limited-edition bandages to help donors look and feel better than ever.

Lifeblood's Marketing Director Samantha Bartlett said blood donation is an act of altruism, a trait highly desirable by both men and women, making the humble blood donation bandage the latest ‘must-have’ accessory.

“The research team was curious to understand what traits people associate with someone who donates blood.

“We discovered that a blood donation bandage highlights a blood donor’s unseen or unknown positive traits, like their health and generosity.

“In particular, our experiment found a person wearing a blood donation bandage was rated as significantly more generous compared with a person not wearing one,” she added.

Joining Ken Done in designing the stylish bandages are artists David Booth, Eric Bridgeman, Francis Cannon, Vipoo Srivilasa, and Kaylene Whiskey.

With a blood donation needed every 24 seconds in Australia, Lifeblood is asking people to make an appointment to donate and get their limited-edition bandage before 14 November.

“We hope these fun and stylish bandages will encourage donors to do good, look good and feel good about their life-giving donation,” Ms Bartlett said.

You can book a donation online, call 13 14 95 or download the free Donate Blood app. Check your eligibility here.

_{* Research conducted by Dr. Michael Lam in conjunction with Prof. Barbara Masser from Lifeblood's Donor Behaviour Research Team and Dr. Barnaby Dixson published in late 2020 in Vox Sanguinis.}