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Need for blood donors in Greater Victoria remains, despite pandemic

Canadian Blood Services looks to recruit new donors
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There are many blood donation appointments are open at clinics across the country. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh file photo)

While there has been a lot of uncertainty over the past few years, one certainty has remained – there is always a need for blood.

With the new year, Canadian Blood Services is hoping to recruit new donors and remind those who haven’t been by in a while that the need is always there.

“We have seen the dedication of donors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and we need that to continue. Patients’ lives depend on them,” chief supply chain officer Rick Prinzen said in a statement. “There is a lot of uncertainty during a pandemic, but there are always patients in need of blood and blood products.”

For example, platelets are a blood component with a shelf life of just seven days. The need for platelets is pressing and ongoing in order to treat patients with serious blood disorders, and those undergoing cancer treatments.

While all blood types are needed, Canadian Blood Services highlighted O-negative as critical for hospitals, as it’s the only type of blood compatible with all other types.

“When seconds count, someone’s life is on the line, and there’s no time to check blood type, hospital patients in an emergency can all receive O-negative blood,” the release noted.

Prinzen added, “With the exception of any temporary COVID-19 related suspensions of donor centre operations, we will remain open to ensure essential products and services are available for patients. We are calling on new and returning donors to book an appointment now.”

To book a blood donation appointment, locate a donor centre, or check eligibility to donate, visit blood.ca.

ALSO READ: More surgeries prompt call for Greater Victoria blood donors


 

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