Canadian Blood Services is urging all eligible donors in Red Deer to book and keep an appointment to donate blood before Labour Day.
“With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, demand for blood products has increased as hospitals treat more trauma patient admissions and carry out surgical procedures that were put on hold,” Canadian Blood Services said in a release Monday.
Canadian Blood Services is anticipating an increased demand will continue this fall – all open appointments must be filled to ensure there’s an acceptable inventory level of blood for Canadian patients.
“All donors are encouraged to get involved, but there is a specific need for donors with type O-negative blood. As the universal donor, O-negative blood is always in need. If you don’t know your blood type, donating blood is an easy and free way to find out.”
Upcoming opportunities to donate at the Red Deer donor centre, located at 5020 68 St. include:
- Sept. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – 47 open appointments
- Sept. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 50 open appointments
Donors who make an appointment are encouraged to keep it as missed or cancelled appointments are difficult to fill. Anyone who is unable to make it to their appointment, is asked to cancel it so someone else can take your place and consider re-booking in coming months.
To book an appointment, you can download the GiveBlood app on the AppStore or GooglePlay, call 1-888-236-6283 or book at blood.ca.
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