Local officials need more holiday blood donors
At a time of the year when many are giving gifts to family and friends or donating to local charities, the Canadian Blood Services is asking for another kind of gift — a blood donation.
A call went out Monday for 18,000 donors to give blood across the country. In Windsor and Essex County, the goal is to convince 840 people roll up their sleeves and donate blood by Jan. 6.
“Right now, we just don’t have enough people coming out and giving blood,” said Marisa Gatfield, Canadian Blood Services manager for Windsor and Essex County.
“We run a national inventory to ensure that anyone who needs blood … receives blood. But there’s always a constant need for donations.”
Windsor is home to one of 36 permanent blood services sites across Canada where donations are collected. The service also holds many community-based clinics.
Gatfield said there are many ways to schedule an appointment to donate, which include downloading the service’s GiveBlood mobile app, visiting the website at blood.ca or by calling the national call centre at 1-888-236-6283.
“Or they’re welcome, if they’re driving by and they happen to be in the area, they’re welcome to drop in,” Gatfield said.
What can a first-time donor expect to happen?
Gatfield said donors must be at least 17 years old and there are height and weight requirements for young people between 17 and 23. Donors over the age of 23 must weigh at least 110 pounds.
Photo identification with a signature is required. “I would recommend drinking lots of fluids (before donating),” she said. “Don’t come in on an empty belly. So make sure you’ve had something to eat, that you’re comfortable.”
Everyone is put through a screening process, a health questionnaire is filled out and vital signs are checked — blood pressure, temperature and hemoglobin levels. Eligibility to donate is determined by this information.
The actual blood donation process can take anywhere from five to 20 minutes after which clients are offered cookies and juice.
Donors should expect to be at the clinic for an hour.
“What we say is the donation process should take approximately an hour of your time,” Gatfield said. “For a first-time donor it may take a little longer.
“It’s not something we want people to rush. Take the time. You’re helping to save a life,” she added. “It’s a pretty special gift for someone that’s counting on that support.”