Urgent need for blood donations over the holiday season
Charlottetown mayor encouraging people to donate
The giving of gifts over the holiday season can result in the giving of life getting lost in the shuffle.
Canadian Blood Services reports an urgent need for blood donations, and Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee is urging Islanders to roll up their sleeves now.
“The holiday period is a challenging time for Canadian Blood Services, given that people are busy with their holiday plans and may not be thinking of blood donation, but you really never know when you or a loved one may need help so we are encouraging people to consider donating,’’ Lee said in a statement issued Wednesday.
“It doesn’t take very long to donate, and your donation could save a life, so please contact Canadian Blood Services today to see how you can help.’’
Blood and blood products are a critical part of everyday medical care, including major surgeries, medical procedures, cancer treatments and managing disease.
Platelets are also collected, but this poses a difficult challenge because such donations only have a shelf life of seven days, notes the Canadian Blood Services. The need for platelets, it adds, is pressing and ongoing as patients with serious bleeding or those undergoing cancer treatments rely on platelet donations.
“We are pleased so many Canadians have stepped up to fill an open appointments to give blood and are confident others will join them by yearend or early in the New Year,’’ said Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ chief supply chain officer.
“It can be tough during the holiday season to take an hour to give life, but donors must continue to answer the call for blood, especially during the weeks of Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Every donation is important and we still need donors to book appointments and, even more importantly, to keep them.’’
To book an appointment, download the GiveBlood app available for iOS on the App Store or for Android on Google Play. People can also call 1-888236-6283 or visit blood.ca.
The blood collection centre in Charlottetown is located at 85 Fitzroy St. Hours of operation until Jan. 5 are today, 3-7 p.m.; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 29; 3-7 p.m. on Jan. 2; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 3; 3-7 p.m. on Jan. 4; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 5.
Canadian Blood Services manages the national supply of blood, blood products and stem cells, and related services for all the provinces and territories, excluding Quebec.