By rdnewsNOW Staff

Ongoing Need

Red Deer residents urged to donate blood before Labour Day

Aug 30, 2021 | 2:59 PM

Canadian Blood Services is urging all eligible donors in Red Deer to help meet patients’ needs by booking and keeping their appointment to donate blood before Labour Day.

With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, officials say 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 anticipates the increased demand will continue this fall. Officials aim to have all open appointments filled to help ensure an acceptable inventory level of blood for Canadian patients.

All donors are encouraged to get involved, but officials note 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 acknowledged as an easy and free way to find out.

Upcoming opportunities to donate at the Red Deer donor centre, located at #5, 5020 68 Street include:

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• Friday, Sept. 3, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 47 open appointments
• Saturday, Sept. 4, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 50 open appointments

Donors who make an appointment are encouraged to keep it as missed or cancelled appointments are said to be difficult to fill. If you’re unable to make it to your appointment, you’re asked to cancel it so someone else can take your place and consider re-booking in the coming months.

If you’re in general good health, you’re encouraged to book and honour your appointment to help patients before, during and after the Labour Day long weekend.

Download the GiveBlood app available on the AppStore or GooglePlay, call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or book now at blood.ca.