July 1, 2022 · 0 Comments
Canadian Blood Services is hoping to find new donors after the numbers of regular donors dropped to the lowest number in a decade.
Throughout the pandemic, the number of people across Canada who donate regularly has decreased by 51,000.
Each year, over 100,000 new donors are needed to make up for those who can no longer donate. This helps ensure reliable access to blood and blood products for patients when they need it.
“We currently have the smallest donor base in a decade, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained Courtney Thompson, Community Development Manager with Canadian Blood Services. “We’ve seen fewer donors due to illness and isolation requirements related to COVID. We’ve also been limited in our ability to recruit new donors though in-person community events. People are now enjoying the freedom of fewer restrictions and finding it hard to find that hour of time to donate.”
The need for blood is always a concern so the organization is now seeking to get more people involved in donating.
“Now that restrictions have lifted and community events are happening regularly, we will be back out in the community recruiting donors at in-person events,” Ms. Thompson said. “We’ve also increased awareness campaigns around the lifesaving difference blood donors can make to patients in need. These stories of impact help to inspire new donors to join Canada’s Lifeline and the former donors who didn’t donate during the pandemic to return.”
O-negative blood donors are especially needed because this blood type can be transfused to any patient. In times of emergency or for newborn patients, O-negative blood – called the universal blood type – makes a life-saving difference.
There are blood donating events happening locally and you can be a part of this important way of contributing to society and helping others.
Currently appointments are necessary if you want to donate. It is important that once you make an appointment, you keep your promise and be there. Missed or cancelled appointments are difficult to fill since “walk in” donors can no longer be received.
Everyone who decides to donate is encouraged to ask family members and friends to do the same.
Locally there are two upcoming sessions where you can donate.
In Alliston, you can attend on Thursday, July 28, from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The clinic will be held at the Alliston Memorial Arena. Please note, this venue has changed as it was previously held at St. Paul’s school.
In Tottenham, you can attend on Saturday, July 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The clinic will be held at the Tottenham Community Centre.
To book an appointment, visit blood.ca or call 1-800-2DONATE.
By Brian Lockhart