There are plenty of Red Deer appointments available for those willing to roll up their sleeves and donate blood.
There are about 80 appointments open this week, which is National Donor Week. For June, about 220 slots are available.
Marissa Stryker, territory manager for Canadian Blood Services, said the appointments do not take long — only about 40 minutes — so it is easy to squeeze in a visit.
“I think people think it’s a bigger commitment than it actually is.”
Donors are a critical link in Canada’s Lifeline, says Canadian Blood Services in a news release.
“In a disruptive and uncertain environment where we’ve seen frequent shortages of products and services around the world and various pandemic waves, blood donors have ensured that no patient in need of blood or blood products went without,” says Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations.
Canadian Blood Services has had enhanced safety measures in place in all its facilities across the country throughout the pandemic to ensure the well-being of donors, its volunteers and staff is safeguarded. Despite increasing levels of concern on the perceived threat levels of COVID-19, donors have shown unprecedented levels of confidence and trust in Canadian Blood Services to protect them.
There are many ways to get involved. Download the GiveBlood app and join Canada’s Lifeline or call 1-888-2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or book now at blood.ca.