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Blood donor clinics being discontinued in Sylvan Lake after Nov. 23 clinic

When Canadian Blood Services was created, we promised Canadians a blood supply that was safe, sustainable, and cost effective.

Dear Editor,

When Canadian Blood Services was created, we promised Canadians a blood supply that was safe, sustainable, and cost effective.

While we are proud to have seen many strong accomplishments over the past years, sometimes ensuring we live up to our mandate of safety, sustainability, and cost efficiency means making difficult decisions.

Clinics are assessed annually according to a number of criteria, including staffing, hospital demand and cost efficiency. To keep up with hospital demand, Canadian Blood Services must collect a certain number of blood donations at every clinic we hold.

Based on the population and the current donor base in Sylvan Lake, we are unable to meet this minimum requirement, and thus, had to make the difficult decision to discontinue the blood donor clinics in Sylvan Lake following the final clinic on November 23, 2013.

While this change will not affect our ability to provide a safe and secure supply of blood to hospital patients in need, we do recognize that the Sylvan Lake closure will make blood donation less convenient for some residents.

We encourage donors who would like to continue giving to visit Red Deer, where regular blood donor clinics are held. Please call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or visit www.blood.ca for more information.

Canadian Blood Services commends the dedication of the many volunteers, donors and community partners who have supported the blood system in Sylvan Lake over the years. Your contribution will forever be valued by our organization, and by those whose lives you have helped to save.

With Sincerest Gratitude,

Trish Moore,

Community Development Coordinator,

Canadian Blood Services,

Edmonton