By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter)

Canadian Blood Services calls for Blood Donors

Aug 4, 2017 | 6:08 PM

LETHBRIDGE –   Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is calling it a “Life Saving Summer” but, for it to work, the public needs to get behind the endeavor.

As we enter another long weekend, everyone is reminded about the need for blood donations. CBS has over 860 appointments available in August and need 51 donors by next Tuesday (Aug 8).

Local Blood Services Manager, Belinda Tomiyama says they are running into the same issues they have before any long weekend and they face a couple of the usual problems.

She says when they are out in the public talking to people one of the main things she hears is, “I’m afraid of needles”.

“It is very minor and I always tell them that the minute someone they love needs it, they’re going to be running to the blood donor clinic to donate blood.”

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“The other thing people say about blood donation is that they don’t have time.”

 However, Belinda notes they are open on Saturdays and with their mobile app, GiveBlood, donors are able to manage their own appointments and the actual donation only takes about an hour.

Men are permitted to donate every 56 days and for women, it’s every 84 days. It’s estimated about 50-per cent of Canadians will need a blood donation in their lifetime, or know someone who will, but only about four per cent of Canadians actually give blood.

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