General News

Blood donation clinics coming to New Tecumseth

October 24, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The need for blood and plasma is rising and patients are counting on eligible donors across Canada to donate this fall.

There are more patients needing blood products than have been seen over the past decade.

As the population of Canada grows and ages, there has been an increase in surgeries and treatments that require blood transfusions. Donors are needed now to ensure hospitals remain stocked with blood for patients through the fall.

While the donor base has grown in the past year, it is not growing at a pace that is keeping up with the rising patient need.

One in two Canadians are eligible to give blood, yet only one in 72 people actually donate. Thousands of available blood and plasma donation appointments are going unfilled each week.

If you make an appointment to donate blood – please keep it and be on time.

Blood plays a critical role in everyday medical care. Many people with various health conditions require blood transfusion therapy regularly.

A person living with thalassemia could need blood every two to five weeks. A person living with leukemia may need blood from up to eight donors every week.

As fall transitions to winter, severe weather events and cold and flu season can impact blood product inventory across the country. Patients are counting on new and existing donors to book donation appointments this fall and into the future to help ensure that the blood and plasma supply remains stable as winter approaches.

Donors of all types are needed, but it is particularly vital that people with type O blood donate.

O-negative blood is essential in emergency care. When a patient’s blood type is unknown upon arrival at a hospital, O-negative blood is used to treat them.

O-negative blood is always in high demand and short supply. O-positive blood can be given to any patient with a positive blood type.

There are upcoming blood donation clinics in Alliston and Tottenham.

In Alliston, there will be a blood donation clinic at the Alliston Memorial Arena, 49 Nelson Street W., on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.

There will be a second clinic in Alliston on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

There will also be a clinic in Tottenham at the Tottenham Community Centre, 139 Queen Street North, on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 to 1 p.m.

Recent changes to donation criteria means that many people who weren’t able to donate in the past might be able to donate now.

Book an appointment by downloading the GiveBlood app, calling 1-888 2 Donate (1-888-236-6283) or by booking on-line at blood.ca. 

Readers Comments (0)