Blood donation is needed to make a difference

Canada’s blood inventory is critically low and the Canadian Blood Service is encouraging   all eligible donors to make a donation.

Erin McGuey,  communications specialist for Canadian Blood Services, said in order to  meet hospital demand CBS collects 17,000 units of blood per week. However, they need an additional 7,500 units per week to reach adequate levels.

“People have made a big difference and saved many lives through routinely donating blood,” said McGuey. “But in recent months, an extremely low attendance at blood donor clinics across Canada has been observed.”

“Without the help of Canadians we may have difficulty in meeting the hospital demand across the country,” said McGuey.

Dr. Riffat Rahman is a pediatrician at Windsor Regional Hospital. She said blood plays an important role in regulating the body’s systems by supplying oxygen and nutrients to tissues, removing waste, transporting hormones and other signals throughout the body.

 

She said red cells, platelets and plasma can be used separately for patients with specific conditions.

It takes about an hour to make a whole blood donation. Donated blood is usually used within days to help save or improve someone’s life, said McGuey.

“Blood donation saved my life,” said Jennifer Grace, who received blood transfusions and blood products when she hemorrhaged after giving birth to her son. “I was extremely scared to see myself bleeding profusely.”

Grace got several unit bags of blood in order to save her life. She said she and her family then realized the importance of blood donation. Following the ordeal, her husband Nathan donated blood for the first time and he continues to do so regularly.

For the safety of the donor and the patients, all volunteer blood donors are evaluated to find out if they are eligible to give blood, said McGuey.

According to Canadian Blood Service the frequency of donation is every 56 days as this is the length of time it take for red blood cells to be  replenished. The blood is tested after donation. If any disease is detected, it is thrown away.

“When you go to donate you will be asked a number of questions to determine your eligibility, said Rahman. “If you are at least 17-years-old and in good general health, feeling well and able to perform your normal activities, you are eligible to donate blood.”

According to CBS, if you’re thinking about donating blood for the first time find out if you’re eligible to donate by calling your nearest blood donation clinic to book an appointment.