When people think about donating blood, they often think of car crash victims or accident patients. However, many different reasons can lead someone to need blood donations. It’s crucial for our community to support Canadian Blood Services’ goal of getting as many people as possible to donate.
This week, Maureen Macfarlane, Community Development Manager at Canadian Blood Services, hopes to see all available appointments filled.
Blood and blood products are essential for everyday medical care, including major surgeries, medical procedures, cancer treatments, and managing diseases and disorders. As a blood donor, you play a crucial role in helping many Canadians stay healthy.
Every part of blood has a specific job. Whole blood is what is drawn when you donate, and is made up of four different components that can be used separately or together to treat various conditions.
On the day you donate, make sure you are hydrated, have eaten, had enough sleep, and are in good health.
Whole blood can be donated every 56 days for men and every 84 days for women, Plasma can be donated every 6–14 days, depending on the donor program and Platelets can be donated every 14 days.
The need for blood donations is at an all time high according to Macfarlane, due to more and more people needing donations. She says less and less people who are eligible to donate are doing so.
Macfarlane says donating blood can be a bit scary, but offered some reassurance for those thinking about it.
You can book your appointment to give the gift of life saving blood at blood.ca, through the GiveBlood App or call 1-888-236-6283 to set up a time.
Written By: K. Milhomens