Residents of Penticton are encouraged to sign up for the next blood donor clinics.
“With its limited shelf life, blood is in constant demand. 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 for a number of reasons. Patients, however, continue to need blood for treatment of various medical conditions,” said Gayle Voyer, territory manager, Canadian Blood Services’ B.C. and Yukon region.
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Voyer said while all blood types are needed, O-negative blood is in particular demand by hospitals because it is the only type compatible with all other blood types. She said O-negative blood is used in the most critical situations; when seconds count, somebody’s life is on the line and there’s no time to check a patient’s blood type. In an emergency, all patients can receive O-negative blood.
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According to Canadian Blood Services, one in two Canadians is eligible to give blood, however, last year only one in 60 eligible people actually donated.
In Penticton on Oct. 30 and 31 at the Penticton Seniors Centre (2965 South Main St.), Canadian Blood Services can fill 15 open appointments.
“I hope that existing donors will carry on assisting their neighbours, and I encourage those in the area who have never donated to book their first appointment,” said Voyer.
Canadian Blood Services’ clinics operate each month, an appointment to give blood can be made by downloading the GiveBlood app, or visiting blood.ca.