Canadian Blood Services pleads for donations
COVID-19 precautions are in place
Canadian Blood Services reports about 24,000 blood donors are needed across Canada to fill open appointments by the end of June.
With the gradual rescheduling of elective procedures and surgeries in hospitals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency is pleading for donations.
“As many people know, the need for blood is constant but there’s a particular great need right now,” said Canadian Blood Services territory manager Mike Choi. “So, as provinces and territories slowly open back up elective procedures and surgeries that might have been postponed during the pandemic, they’re now being rescheduled. Because of this, we anticipate that the demand from hospitals to quickly rise over the coming weeks.”
Initially, COVID-19 inspired thousands of people to help sustain the blood system, including many new donors who have contributed for the first time. Canadian Blood Services recorded a 20 per cent year-over-year increase in first-time donors in the six weeks from mid-March to the end of April when impacts from the pandemic began.
Canadian Blood Services has taken precautions to ensure the health and safety of both donors and staff. Walkins have been cancelled as part of COVID-19 safety measures. Donors must now book their appointments in advance, answer additional questions related to COVID-19, pass additional health checks and wear a face mask which are supplied, if required.
As well, Choi said they have reduced capacity in their centres to help maintain physical distancing.
“The reason for (reducing capacity) is we want to be able to have a better control of flow and the number of donors at our donor centres at any given time to ensure safe physical distancing,” said Choi, noting risks for donors are no greater than they would encounter going out in public.
“Our demand is going to go back to pre-COVID levels but the amount that we collect has decreased for the safety of our donors and staff ... Unfortunately, it doesn’t help our patients if everyone comes in all at the same time because blood only has a shelf-life of 42 days.”
At the end of May, Canadian Blood Services received a much-needed shot in the arm when 38 members of the Paramedic Association of Manitoba marked Paramedic Services Week by giving the gift of life.
“We were already on the front lines with COVID-19 so there was no hesitation to go out and donate blood,” said regular blood donor and paramedic Rebecca Clifton, who is also the administrative director of the Paramedic Association of Manitoba and organized the blood drive.