Canadian Blood Services is looking to Penticton to help top up their blood supplies in preparation for increased demand over the summer months.
“We need appointments in B.C. booked this summer to keep up with hospital demand, and patients are counting on more people to become blood donors,” said Ed Yee, the regional director of donor and clinic services with Canadian Blood Services.
In total, the blood services are hoping to have 4,300 more donors across Canada between July 16 and Aug. 6.
The summer generally brings increased traffic, and increased traffic leads to more accidents on roadways. With a single car-accident victim requiring as much as 50 units of blood and blood products, its important for people to be making appointments to give blood, and more importantly, showing up to them.
Currently, only 60 per cent of appointments are honored.
“If you’ve made an appointment, please honour it. If you haven’t made one, please book one today,” said Yee.
Clinics are being held in Penicton July 18-20 and Aug. 16-17 at the Seniors Drop-In Centre from 1:30-5:30 p.m. on both dates.
To book an appointment or for more information, visit www.blood.ca or call 1-888-2-DONATE.