At 8am on Saturday two friends of 30 years and counting walked through the doors of the NHS blood and plasma donation centre on New Street, Birmingham.
One was me, in for my 199th plasma donation. The other was the BBC’s very own Phil Upton, back for his second plasma donation.
Beyond the act of giving, this was a moment of reflection, conversation and shared purpose.
Plasma – a quiet force for good
Plasma donation is a quiet force for good, often overlooked in the broader conversation about blood donation. Yet plasma’s impact is profound. Plasma carries essential proteins that are used in life-saving treatments, helping people with immune disorders, burns and rare diseases.
Blood and plasma donors are more needed than ever
This week the urgency of donation has never been more apparent. News broke that blood stocks are critically low, prompting a national call to action. A reminder that, despite advancements in healthcare, the fundamental need for donors remains.
And while plasma donation plays a unique role, blood itself is a cornerstone of emergency medicine, surgeries, and everyday care. The crisis is real.
A time to reflect and bond
Amid this backdrop, as we sat down rigged up to the machines, there was also room for lighter discussion – the region, Birmingham, its people and the good that exists here. Phil and I turned our morning into something more than an appointment. For us it was a moment to appreciate our community and the kindness within it.
Plasma donation is not just about science or statistics – it’s about human connection. It’s about the power of giving, not just through a needle, but through conversations, shared experiences, and the recognition that doing good can take many forms.
Today, one friend supported another, and together they contributed to something bigger. That’s the kind of small, meaningful act that makes a difference.
Blood and plasma are needed
If ever there was a time to step forward, to answer the call, to embody the best of this region … it’s now. Blood and plasma donors are needed, and every donation counts.
