By rdnewsNOW Staff

Need For Blood Rising

Red Deer Blood Donor Clinic with open appointments as long weekend approaches

Jun 24, 2021 | 11:27 AM

As COVID-19 restrictions ease across the country and hospitals resume procedures previously put on hold, eligible blood donors are encouraged to book and keep their appointments between now and July 4.

Officials with Canadian Blood Services say the national blood inventory continues to meet patients’ needs but is declining because of increased demand and missed or unfilled blood donation appointments.

It’s noted that while all blood types help patients, there is a specific need for donors with O-negative blood type. Donors with O-negative blood are part of a select group whose donations are said to be compatible with everyone. As the universal blood type, patients in an emergency can all receive O-negative blood.  

Officials point out that as Canadians look forward to gathering with family and friends and planning long-awaited opportunities to travel, countless patients will rely on blood products to survive.

In Red Deer, there are more than open 230 appointments to fill at the Red Deer Donor centre located at #5, 5020 68 Street.

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In the coming days, the centre is open Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., open Canada Day, July 1 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

In compliance with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s direction to enable physical distancing, at this time, Red Deer’s blood donor clinic can only welcome people with appointments. 

If in general good health, donors are asked to book and honour their appointment to help patients.

Download the GiveBlood app available in the AppStore or GooglePlay, or by calling 1-888-2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283), or at blood.ca.