A blood donor clinic is being held at the UAW Hall in Wallaceburg on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Marisa Gatfield, the local territory manager for Canadian Blood Services, told the Sydenham Current there are currently eight available appointments.
“As we get closer to the Wallaceburg blood donation event… same day appointments may become available due to appointment cancelations or rescheduling,” Gatfield said.
“Appointments can be scheduled day of the event by visiting: blood.ca or downloading the GiveBlood app.”
Canadian Blood Services officials say every minute of every day, a patient in Canada needs blood.
“The need for blood is constant and often times it can take more than one donor to help save a life,” Canadian Blood Services officials say.
“Like other organizations across Canada, the latest COVID-19 wave is challenging Canadian Blood Services like never before. Always, but especially now, new and returning donors are critical to meeting Canada’s needs. Regular donors impacted by the latest wave of COVID-19 can’t give if they are sick or required to isolate. We need new donors to step in and help us today and in the upcoming weeks, and months ahead.”
If you are considering donating blood for the first time you must be:
– In good general health
– Able to perform your normal day-to-day activities
– At least 17 years old
– Meet the height and weight requirements if you are between 17 and 23 years old.
Visit our website at blood.ca for the ABC’s of Eligibility or Call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-238-6283) to discuss eligibility.
Canadian Blood Services officials say at present, they are accepting donors with scheduled appointments in order to maintain physical distancing within our centres.
Tips to remember:
– Drink plenty of fluids – be well hydrated
– Have had something to eat (preferably salty)
– Have a good night rest
– Don’t forget to bring a piece of government issued identification or your Canadian Blood Services donor card.
“All donors are encouraged to get involved, but there is a specific need for donors with type O blood, especially O – negative,” Canadian Blood Services officials say.
“When seconds count, someone’s life is on the line, and there’s no time to check blood type, hospital patients in an emergency, can all receive O – negative blood.”
COVID 19 protocols are in place at all donor centres and mobile events, Canadian Blood Services officials added.
“When a donor, employee or volunteer walks through our doors they can take comfort in knowing that we are taking proactive steps to limit the risk of infection,” Canadian Blood Services officials say.
“In addition to our robust cleaning and screening practices, we have implemented a welcome wellness screening checkpoint, mandatory mask policy, physical distancing measures and enhanced and frequent cleaning practices which closely align with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) recommendations. Our team is consistently monitoring and assessing whether additional measures are necessary to protect the health and safety of donors, employees and volunteers. An overview of our COVID 19 protocols can be found on our website at blood.ca.”
Canadian Blood Services officials added: “Blood donors help support the health of our communities. More donors are needed on a regular basis to maintain a strong national inventory of blood and blood products to meet patients’ needs. Donating blood is one of the most direct ways that someone can help someone in need.”
– This story is sponsored content.
