Canadian Blood Services reminds all area residents there is a constant need for new blood donors in continuing efforts to meet patient needs.
As people age, many regular donors can no longer give blood and may even need the help of blood products themselves. About 90,000 new blood donors are needed this year. Earlier this year, Canadian Blood Services took action in an effort to avoid a repetition of the low inventory situation faced during the two previous summers.
Although the results are encouraging, the need for new blood donors remains a reality due to the short shelf life of some blood components and increasing hospital demand. Serious trauma, surgery or illnesses can sideline anyone in an instant, so if you can donate, please do so.
Anyone who survived a blood test finds giving blood is just as simple and more rewarding. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and it only takes about one hour and one donation to save three lives – and there are free cookies.
Currently, one in two Canadians is eligible to give blood, but only one in 60 rolls up a sleeve to donate. Anyone between the ages of 17 and 61 and in generally good health, is likely eligible to give blood for the first time.
The coming blood donor clinic at the Mount Forest and District Recreation Complex is on Sept. 1 from 2pm to 8pm. No appointment is necessary.
Call 1-888-236-6283 for eligibility information. For more information, please contact Marg Gow, community development coordinator with Canadian Blood Services, at 1-800-901-1719.
