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Blood donors needed for the holiday season

Nov 22, 2016 | 12:08 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Canadian Blood Services is making a push through the Give campaign, to bring in more blood donors as we approach December.

At a booth set up at the University of Lethbridge, territory manager Belinda Tomiyama, noted that they currently need to fill 800 appointments to meet the expected demand for blood next month.

She acknowledged that the holiday season is always a difficult time for the organization, especially in the week after Christmas, when some clinics may only have a few donors come in per day.

While people tend to be busier this time of year, she says it’s crucial that you carve out some time to give blood.

“It really gives patient’s families hope that they’re going to have one more or maybe more Christmases together,” stated Tomiyama. “It’s a really important thing to do, because while we’re sitting at home celebrating with our families, there’s still patients in the hospitals getting blood transfusions.”

Tomiyama went on to discuss the Give campaign, and why they’re hoping it will make a difference.

“We’re out here just talking to people about the importance of donating blood, asking them if they’ve ever donated before, are they considering maybe donating, if we can book them an appointment, just getting a little more interactive, explaining to people the need for blood, because I think across Canada that’s where we’re falling short,” she explained.

“I think a lot of people think it’s just part of their healthcare, so it’s going to be there when they need it, and if people aren’t donating it won’t be.”
 
Canadian Blood Services has also taken steps in recent years to make getting an appointment easier, by launching the GiveBlood mobile app, which allows you book and manage your own appointments.

You can also call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-2383) or visit their website.