Summers are challenging times for blood donations, as vacation time occurs during scheduled blood donor clinics. But patients don’t have the option of taking a break from receiving blood.
The national inventory at Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is at its lowest levels this time of year. Approximately 10,000 open appointments need to be filled every week and O-negative blood supplies need constant replenishing.
“When seconds count, a life is on the line and there’s no time to check blood type, patients receive O-negative blood,” said Sharr Cairns, territory manager for CBS.
On July 3 Mapleton Township emergency services personnel joined with the Wellington County OPP and other area fire departments in the Sirens for Life Campaign, which allows these men and women to help save more lives by donating blood. Raising awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations is also a vital part of the campaign, CBS officials state.
Cairns said, “Emergency crews see the need for blood first hand. One patient with internal bleeding may require up to eight blood donors to save their life. An accident victim takes 50 blood donations.”
Area residents are encouraged to join in the Sirens For Life Campaign by donating blood in support of the Mapleton Township team.
The next donor clinic is July 28 from 3:30 to 7:30pm at Community Christian School, 35 High Street in Drayton. Book an appointment by calling 1-888-236-6283 or online at www.blood.ca.
CBS officials urge everyone who can to book an appointment, keep that appointment, and save a life.
