Summer is a time of fun, excitement and adventure. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean accidents don’t happen or people aren’t still in need.
Despite being the slow time for blood donations in Canada, the Canadian Blood Services is urging people to donate in a critical time.
The national blood supply has dipped to less than three days for the universal blood type, O-negative.
“Normally we like to keep at about 5-8 days worth [of O-negative] on hand,” said Shaun Richer, the territory manager for Central Alberta with Canadian Blood Services.
Keeping a supply of O-negative on hand is particularly important because it is accepted by any blood type and can be used in emergency cases.
According to a press release issued by Canadian Blood Services, the universal blood type is used in the most dire of situations. This could include treatment for newborns, patients with compromised immune systems and for trauma victims.
While O-negative is the most needed, and attention is focused there, Richer says all blood types are needed.
Richer says 16,000 donors are needed across Canada every week. For the Central Alberta area, he says at least 150 donors are needed before July 1.
Appointments can be made at the Red Deer Donor Clinic at 5 5020 - 68 St.
“We have really convenient hours during the week and on the weekend, to accommodate people around their work schedules,” said Richer.
The Red Deer Donor Clinic is open Tuesday-Thursday from 3-7 p.m. was well as Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Appointments can be made online at www.blood.ca, where an eligibility quiz can also be taken, or through the Canadian Blood Services App for all smart phone, Give Blood.