(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW staff

600 appointments in red deer

Blood donations needed as holidays come and go

Dec 17, 2021 | 11:50 AM

Canadian Blood Services needs you this holiday season.

There is an immediate need for blood and plasma donations, as well as new registrants for the Stem Cell Registry.

Across Canada, the service is looking to fill 18,000 blood donation appointments between now and Jan. 4. That includes 600 appointments in Red Deer.

“Canadian Blood Services is calling on you, whether you’ve donated before or this would be your first time giving, to support Canada’s Lifeline,” says Dr. Graham Sher, Chief Executive Officer. “In addition to blood and plasma, there is also an immediate need for people to join the Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry.”

Blood, plasma and platelets are needed by many patients, Canadian Blood Services adds, including those battling cancer.

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“Throughout the pandemic we’ve relied on dedicated donors to help patients in any way they’ve been able, whether that has been through blood, plasma, platelet donations, volunteering at donor events, financial gifts or donations of stem cells and organs and tissues,” says Dr. Sher.

“We appreciate your commitment and I want you to know that you have helped save and improve lives with your selfless generosity. I am confident and hopeful that people across the country will respond, yet again, to our current call for donors.”

To book an appointment, download the GiveBlood app, call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283), or book now at blood.ca.