By Morinvillenews.com Staff
Morinville – Canadian Blood Services will be back in Morinville for another blood donor clinic at the Rendez-Vous Centre Mar. 13, and are hoping more Morinvillians will step up and save lives.
In order to meet patient needs in Alberta, Canadian Blood Services need to recruit about 14,000 new blood donors in the province this year. They are hoping some of them will come out to the upcoming clinic.
Part of the need to recruit new donors is due to demographics. With the majority of current donors being between the ages of 45 and 54, the organization realizes current donors may taper off over the next several years because older donors are no longer able to donate. As such, they are looking to recruit a new generation of blood donors comprised of youth and those who have never given blood before.
Healthy people 17 and older can donate blood every 56 days. First-time donors after the age of 61, or regular donors who want to continue donating after their 71st birthday will need to consult their doctor for medical permission to donate. Donors must feel well and are required to have their donor card or photo and signature I.D. at the time of donation.
The blood donor clinic will take place from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Mar. 13 at the Rendez-Vous Centre, 9913 1-4 Street. Canadian Blood Services are hoping to collect 75 units on their upcoming visit. The organization recently changed their clinics from a monthly to a bimonthly event in Morinville.
Donors are asked to call 1-888-236-6283 for more information or to book an appointment to donate. Appointments are recommended to help reduce clinic wait times.
