Dear Editor,
On behalf of Canadian Blood Services and our Territory Manager, Robyn Henwood, I would like to thank Morinville residents who give blood. Many may already know that currently less than four per cent of eligible blood donors sustain the blood system for all Canadians; but, what many people may not know is that every year, close to 40 per cent of all blood donors stop donating for 12 months or more due to a variety of reasons. Yet patients do not stop needing blood for various medical conditions. Blood, with its limited shelf life, is in constant demand.
For now, and in the future, we really need more people to give blood and help keep supplies replenished. We know that approximately 1 in 2 Canadians are eligible to give blood; however, last year only 1 in 60 eligible donors actually did.
Residents in this community are likely aware of importance of donated blood to help all Canadian patients. One of Canadian Blood Services’ priorities is to encourage more Canadians to become regular donors. We must collect 18,000 units of blood per week from donors across the country. To meet this goal we estimate that in 2016, about 100,000 new blood donors will be needed to Give Life, replace the aging donor base and ultimately maintain the supply. This includes 20 new donors needed in Morinville.
To book an appointment for any upcoming Morinville clinics, download the GiveBlood app, visit blood.ca or call 1-888–DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
Somewhere in Canada, a patient will be thankful.
Susan Matsumoto
Director, Donor Relations, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and NWT
Canadian Blood Services
