Canadian Blood Services is asking Albertans to roll up their sleeves — the blood bank is lower than usual this spring.
Canada’s inventory of blood needs an injection of 150,000 donations by July 1.
A stormy winter and wet spring have left inventory levels less than optimal. There’s enough blood on the shelves to meet patient needs today, but supplies need to increase before summer.
Cancer patients, accident victims and people with blood disorders rely on transfusions every day, even during the summer. When there are fewer people around to donate because of vacations, there needs to be more blood banked to ensure patients get what they need.
Canada’s inventory of blood needs an injection of 150,000 donations by July 1.
Susan Matsumoto, director of donor relations in the Prairie region, reminds us that “for patients, the demand for blood never takes a holiday. We need 16,000 blood donations every week to stock our shelves and continue to help patients throughout the summer.”
While there’s a greater need for Type O blood, all donors are encouraged to book an appointment today. There are at least 3,000 appointments each and every week left waiting to be filled.
In Red Deer, there are 395 appointments to fill by May 29. The Red Deer blood donor clinic located at 5, 5020 68 Street is open: Tuesday to Thursdays 3 to 7 p.m. and Friday to Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Even though half of the Canadian population is eligible to donate, only four per cent of people do. That small group provides blood for everyone, so as Canada marks its 150th anniversary, one way Canadians can celebrate is to respond in high numbers. Bring a friend or make it an event by donating as a group.
To book an appointment today, locate a clinic, check your eligibility and more, download the GiveBlood App or visit blood.ca.