Need continues for more donations to increase national blood inventory
OTTAWA, Oct. 8, 2014 /CNW/ - Since launching its appeal last week, Canadian Blood Services has seen a noticeable increase in blood donations across the country. This has reduced the national blood inventory gap by one third. However, the inventory is still not where it needs to be.
"We would like to thank everyone who visited a clinic, made an appointment, or encouraged family or friends to make a blood donation. We have seen an increase in donations across the country this past week," says Mark Donnison, Canadian Blood Services vice-president of donor relations. "However, while we have seen a great response from Canadians, the need for more blood donations continues. We are still asking all eligible Canadians to consider donating regularly and to consider re-booking their next appointment today."
Walk-ins are welcome and there are usually open appointments available; however, these timeslots can fill up quickly. Booking an appointment will help donors avoid increased wait times.
"We recognize that our generous donors are busy and their time is valuable. By booking appointments online or using the GiveBlood App, we are able to better respect their time and ensure an adequate supply of blood and blood products for patients in need," says Mr. Donnison.
The continued need for new and existing blood donors is also important heading into the Thanksgiving long weekend. Long weekends are a difficult time to collect blood, because people are often away or are busy with family activities. Meanwhile, the demand for blood and blood products remains constant.
Quick Facts:
- Approximately 52 per cent of Canadians say they, or a family member, have needed blood or blood products for surgery or for medical treatment.
- Every minute of every day someone in Canada needs blood.
- The blood supply must be replenished regularly to keep an acceptable level of inventory of blood and blood products to meet ongoing patient needs. This is especially important for platelets that only have a shelf-life of five days.
To book an appointment today, download the GiveBlood app, visit blood.ca or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236 6283).
About Canadian Blood Services
Canadian Blood Services is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization that manages the supply of blood and blood products in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec. Canadian Blood Services also oversees the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network, is establishing Canada's (excluding Quebec) national public cord blood bank and supports leading practices development, professional education and public awareness for organ and tissue donation and transplantation. In addition, Canadian Blood Services purchases manufactured plasma protein products, contributes to transfusion medicine research and provides diagnostic services in some provinces. It operates 41 permanent collection sites and more than 21,000 donor clinics annually. The provincial and territorial Ministries of Health provide operational funding to Canadian Blood Services. The federal government, through Health Canada, is responsible for regulating the blood system.
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SOURCE: Canadian Blood Services
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