(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

3,300 appointments to fill in red deer

Canadian Blood Services needs YOU this summer

Jun 13, 2023 | 5:11 PM

Canadian Blood Services is hoping you will donate the gift of life this summer.

More than 150,000 appointments are open across the country, with more than 3,300 in Red Deer.

A recent survey shows 50 per cent of people who haven’t donated said they’re just waiting to be asked, according to Canadian Blood Services.

The organization also says the COVID-19 pandemic changed donor behaviour in that fewer people are doing it regularly.

“Typically we expect to see challenges filling appointments in the summer, when people are distracted by nice weather and vacation plans. This year the lag has hit sooner than we expected,” says Ron Vezina, vice-president of public affairs. “We know there are major events impacting people in various communities across the country, but we can’t pause the need for blood. We still need people to make blood and plasma donation a priority now and going into the summer months.”

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An estimated half of all people in Canada have required blood or blood products, or they have a loved one who’s needed them.

“People may take it for granted that blood and blood products will be there if their loved ones need them, however hospitals only have these products when someone makes the time to give,” adds Vezina. “We’re marking National Blood Donor Week by thanking everyone who has donated to help patients, but right now there are not enough people donating.”

National Blood Donor Week is June 11-17.

Canadian Blood Services also says that one in two people are eligible to donate, yet a measly 1-in-81 actually do.

To join the community of donors who play a vital role in patient care in this country, download the GiveBlood app, visit blood.ca, or call 1-888-2DONATE (1-888-236-6283) and book an appointment today.

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