Blood supply needs a boost before summer

MAY 15, 2017 (RED DEER) – With summer’s unofficial kick-off approaching this May long weekend, Canadian Blood Services is calling on all eligible Canadians in Red Deer to roll up their sleeves for patients.

Canadian Blood Services boosts the blood supply every spring to prepare for the summer, when routines are disrupted as regular donors join the thousands of Canadians who head outdoors or out of town to enjoy the warm weather.

This year, a stormy winter and a wet spring have left inventory levels lower than normal. That means there’s enough blood on the shelves to meet patient needs today, but supplies need to increase before the summer months.

Cancer patients, accident victims, and people with blood disorders rely on blood transfusions every day even during the summer. When there are fewer people around to donate, there needs to be more blood on the shelves to ensure patients get what they need.

Canadians are strongly encouraged to roll up their sleeves to build the blood supply to the level it needs to be.

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Susan Matsumoto, director of donor relations in the Prairie region, reminds us that “for patients, the demand for blood never takes a holiday. We need 16,000 blood donations every week to stock our shelves and continue to help patients throughout the summer.”

While there’s a greater need for Type O blood, all donors are encouraged to book an appointment today. There are at least 3,000 appointments each and every week left waiting to be filled.

In Red Deer, there are 395 appointments to fill by May 29. The Red Deer blood donor clinic located at 5, 5020 68 Street is open:

Tuesday – Thursday: 3 – 7 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Did you know?

Even though half of the Canadian population is eligible to donate, only four per cent of people do. That small group provides blood for everyone, so as Canada marks its 150th anniversary, one way Canadians can celebrate is to respond in high numbers. Bring a friend or make it an event by donating as a group.

To make a difference and save a life:

Book and keep your next appointment.
Bring along friends, family members or coworkers to donate with you. Almost all first-time donors do so as a group.
Walk into a clinic and donate on the spot. For a list of current clinics, please visit blood.ca or download the mobile app.

To book an appointment today, locate a clinic, check your eligibility and more, download the GiveBlood App or visit blood.ca.