On behalf of Canadian Blood Services, I’d like to thank the Town of Greater Napanee for opening the Strathcona Paper Centre on Friday May 22. After a couple of months of absence, we were excited to host this blood donation event and were thrilled with the collections. Our collection goal was 86 units and we collected 101 units of blood with seven first time blood donors and 16 reinstated blood donors. To all the donors and community partners, we are so thankful that you took the time to donate blood and continue to support Canada’s Lifeline.
Given our unique role within Canadian healthcare, we are committed to welcoming donors to our collection centres during a pandemic. On-going blood donation is required to support lifesaving care for Canadians.
In compliance with the Public Health Agency of Canada to enable physical distancing, at this time, we can only welcome people with appointments. Appointments help minimize the number of people at donor centres. Appointments also allow people to complete a pre-screening questionnaire before they arrive at a donor centre and self-defer if necessary in keeping with health and safety recommendations.
Enhanced wellness measures are in effect throughout all of our donor centres. In addition to our routine cleaning, infection-control and screening practices, in light of recent developments with COVID-19 we have introduced enhanced cleaning measures, wellness stations and physical distancing measures to better protect anyone who comes through our doors (i.e. donors and staff).
What many people may not know is that every year, close to 40 per cent of all blood donors stop donating for 12 months or more for several reasons. Patients, however, continue to need blood for treatment of various medical conditions. With its limited shelf life, blood is in constant demand.
Our next planned blood donation event is scheduled at the Strathcona Paper Centre on Friday July 24 from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. We need to fill over 80 appointments in Napanee on this date. Any new donors that are interested in donating blood are encouraged to take the online eligibility quiz at blood.ca. There are numerous ways that you can book an appointment. Call 1-888 2DONATE (236-6283), download the GiveBlood app or visit www.blood.ca
Somewhere, a patient and their family will be thankful!
Debbi Barfoot
Territory Manager – Donor Relations
Canadian Blood Services