Hundreds of blood donation appointments in need of filling in Red Deer

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

With high vaccine rates, a significant drop in COVID-19 cases and fewer restrictions on travel and gatherings, Canadian Blood Services officials note many people feel safer, are beginning to venture out, and are pulling away from donations.

Mourning the loss

Hope Mission reports overdose death outside temporary emergency homeless shelter

35m ago

Last seen on April 6

Missing: Diane Cooper, 82, of Consort

1h ago

6 to 8 p.m.

MLA Jason Stephan to hold public town hall on Thursday

1h ago

In Red Deer, there are more than 800 appointments that need to be filled before July 31 to meet patient need.

“Attendance at collection centres is starting to slip as COVID-19 restrictions ease in many areas. Canadians are enjoying greater freedom after months of following COVID-19 safety measures, while hospitals are tackling a backlog of medical procedures,” says Prinzen.

“There’s an immediate need for new and returning donors to fill all open appointments to meet demand and support patients’ needs this summer. Patients in your community and across Canada need your help right now and, in the weeks, and months ahead.”

Besides the rise in demand for blood as hospitals increase procedures, officials say the summer season often translates into a higher number of accidents on the road with a greater potential of injuries requiring blood transfusions.

While public health restrictions might vary among provinces and territories, Canadian Blood Services is maintaining the COVID-19 protocols in place in all its facilities across the country throughout the summer to help ensure the wellbeing of its donors, volunteers and staff.

Appointments are still required to donate blood at this time in compliance with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s direction to enable physical distancing.

Same day and open appointments spots are available every day at many donor centres and community events across the country.

Download the GiveBlood app available on the AppStore or GooglePlay to join Canada’s Lifeline. You can also call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or book now at blood.ca.