We have a blood crisis on our hands at the moment. Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a decrease of 31,000 blood donors. The Canadian Blood Service is struggling to keep up with the amount of blood needed. Community Development Manager of Canadian Blood Services in London, Jamie Reichman says new and existing donors are always welcome.
There is a clinic happening September 15th that is completely full of donors however there is another one happening October 13th at the Strathroy Community Christian School.
To find blood donor clinics near you or to sign up to donate blood go to blood.ca or go to the ‘Give Blood’ app. The Canadian Blood Services is looking for all types of blood. But most importantly, O- blood, as it can be used for anybody with any blood type.
If you are unsure of your blood type, after your first appointment you will receive a blood donor card in the mail 6-12 weeks after your appointment. Or you can find out about a week after your appointment with the ‘Give Blood’ app.
There are 18,000 open appointments in August to donate blood. The Canadian Blood Services has a goal to fill those spots for the month.
Reichman says there is always a need for blood.
written by: K. Close