Blood donors urgently needed to boost supplies
Hospital patients are banking on Reginans rolling up their sleeves so Canadian Blood Services (CBS) can bank blood for the summer.
Mike Fisher, a territory manager with Canadian Blood Services in Saskatoon, said 410 donors are urgently needed in the Regina area before July 2.
With people away on holidays or busy with other summertime activities, there’s a drop in blood donors across Canada. But the need for blood and blood products is constant, Fisher said.
“People needing blood range from anyone receiving cancer treatment or surgery to obviously accidents — either car crashes or other,” he said.
CBS has made a number of changes to eligibility requirements for donating blood since April.
For example, after a tattoo or piercing, donors only have three months to wait before donating blood — half the time it used to be.
“That’s pretty huge for people who are constantly getting tattoos and piercings,” Fisher said. “And it makes a lot more people eligible.”
About half of Saskatchewan residents are eligible to donate, but only four per cent do, he said.
“It’s pretty staggering actually how a small number has to support the system,” Fisher said.
To check about eligibility, call 1-888-236-6283 and speak with a registered nurse.
It only takes about an hour to donate blood.
“Of that hour, you’re only in the chair for anywhere from five to 20 minutes,” Fisher said.
It’s time well spent, considering how many people you can help, he added.
New donors are encouraged to get involved. Blood donor clinic locations and hours are available at blood.ca.
The national blood inventory continues to meet patients’ needs, but a boost in donations will ensure demand is met throughout the summer.
“It’s so important going into the long weekend,” Fisher said. “With long weekends, there’s an increase in travel. It’s kind of a double-edged sword. There’s less people to donate, but the potential for more people to need it.”
CBS Regina clinic is located at 2571 Broad St. To book an appointment call 1 888 2DONATE.