The top blood donors in Australia are older men – but young blood and plasma are needed to keep saving lives.

Data shows young people are sporadic donors at best, and most don’t turn up to appointments. However, one young donor, Sam Ryan, has become a prolific donor after his life was saved by 22 bags of donated blood after an accident when he was 17.

On this extra episode of The Briefing, we hear about Sam's incredible story and his message encouraging other young people to donate. We also speak to Red Cross Lifeblood to find out what they are doing to raise awareness and recruit young people to roll up their sleeves and give blood.

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