Canadian Blood Services in need of donations
Clinics scheduled for next week in Pictou County
“If donating blood is something you have considered over time, what better time than now – turn your good intentions into actions as New Year’s resolution.” Peter MacDonald, Canadian Blood Services
There is still one gift to give this holiday season.
That is the gift of blood. Canadian Blood Services has issued an urgent call for eligible donors across the country in hopes of filling hundreds of appointments in Pictou County alone.
Clinics will be held at the Pictou Armouries from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2, and at Summer Street Industries on Wednesday, Jan. 3, from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m., as well as Thursday, Jan. 4, from noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
Pictou County residents are asked to book their appointments by downloading the GiveBlood app, visiting the website blood.ca or calling 1888-236-6283.
Canadian Blood Services says the holiday season is a slower time for blood donations. Travel, family activities and changes in routines pose challenges to blood collections, especially the last half of December into the New Year.
“What happens this time of year, between Christmas and New Year’s especially, is that people are out of their regular routines, off work, travelling and our attendance is much lower than we had hoped. It is really important for folks in Pictou County to answer the call on January 2, 3 and 4 to help us restore our inventory to where it needs to be so people in hospitals never have to worry,” said Peter MacDonald, director of donor relations for Canadian Blood Services in Atlantic Canada.
He said what many people don’t realize is that blood is perishable. When blood is collected, three things are used from it. Plasma is frozen for up to a year, red blood cells can be kept for 42 days and platelets can only be kept for seven days.
While all blood types help patients, the supply of O-negative blood is in particular demand. Donors with O blood types are part of a select group whose donations are compatible with everyone. As the universal blood type, patients in an emergency situation can all receive O blood.
Platelets pose a particularly difficult challenge. Patients with serious bleeding or those undergoing cancer treatments rely on platelet donations, but with a shelf life of only seven days, the need for platelets is pressing and ongoing.
“People in Pictou County are very generous and loyal and we appreciate their support,” said MacDonald. “If donating blood is something you have considered over time, what better time than now – turn your good intentions into actions as New Year’s resolution,” he said, adding if it works out for them, they can continue on doing it for years to come.