The gift of life

By Abdulraheem Alhusami

 

Studies show fewer than four per cent of eligible Canadians donate blood. 

 

 

Around one in two Canadians were eligible to donate blood last year, but only one in 60 Canadians did. Officials said the need for blood donations is increasing but not enough people come forward to help. 

 

“This year 100,000 new blood donors will be needed to give life, replace the aging donor base and maintain the national blood supply,” said Marisa Gatfield, Canadian Blood Services Territory Manager. “Over 3,000 new donors are needed in Windsor-Essex County in order to maintain healthy donor base.” 

 

With a permanent donor centre in Windsor and mobile donor centres in Essex County, it is as convenient as it can be for those living in these communities to donate blood. 

 

“It is a lifesaving gift. Giving blood is one of the most direct ways you can help someone. Most donations are used within days to help a patient in need,” said Gatfield. “Last year, approximately 14,000 units of blood were delivered to Windsor hospitals to help local patients in need.”  

 

On Oct. 16 the Canadian Blood Services held an event at St. Clair College to register students interested in donating blood. 

 

“You never know. Some people are really in need and the blood I donate today might help someone else,” said Hassan Wehbe, St. Clair College student who was registering in order to give blood later in the week.

 

Maureen Macfarlane, the Blood Services Community Coordinator was at the college to complete registrations and hand over information about donating blood. She said many people understand the need to donate.

 

“Surveys show that about 50 per cent of Canadians will know someone who needs blood,” Maureen Macfarlane, Blood Services community development coordinator. 

 

Canadian Blood Services is planning to host more community events to raise awareness about the need for more blood donations in this area.  

 

“Every sixty seconds someone in Canada needs blood and that could be a family member, friend, fellow colleague or perhaps even yourself,” said Gatfield. 

 

You can take an eligibility quiz today on the Canadian Blood Services website or go directly to the nearest donor centre to register.