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Blood donations needed in Surrey as August long weekend approaches

Now Staff
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SURREY — The national blood inventory has steadily declined this summer and needs a boost to continue to meet the needs of patients through the August long weekend and into the coming weeks.

So said Canadian Blood Services on Tuesday (July 28), and the organization is asking people to give blood before and after the long weekend.

 

“Summer is a challenging time for blood collection, when many regular donors are on vacation — this is great time for new donors to join us and help prevent a further decline in the national inventory,” Mark Donnison, the CBS's vice-president of donor relations, stated.

“Platelets derived from blood are critical to help stop bleeding and unfortunately expire just five days after a blood donation.”

 

Abbotsford resident Cam Taylor understands the need for blood all too well.

In April 2011, during the Easter long weekend, Cam was in a motorcycle accident.

“The accident was a big mess and my body is still not completely healed,” he said.

 

“But I’m grateful for the blood and blood products that helped save my life. Now I remind others to think of all the people who need blood because of accidents and medical conditions and encourage them to donate. They help keep so many people alive without even knowing them.”  

 

The Canada Safety Council reports that "more fatalities occur on Canadian roads during summer months than any other time of year" — and it can take up to 50 donors to help save someone who has been in a motor vehicle accident.

 

This weekend, the Surrey blood clinic is open Thursday, July 30 from 1 to 7 p.m.; and on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, Aug. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The clinic is located at Unit C2-15285 101st Ave., Surrey.

To book an appointment to give blood, use the Give Blood App or visit Blood.ca.

Those with appointments are encouraged to keep their appointment and, if possible, bring a friend or family member to donate with them, the CBS said. Walk-ins are also welcome.

 

Quick facts:

 

• Ideally, Canadian Blood Services should have 20,000 to 30,000 units of blood in their inventory.

• Canadian Blood Services needs to collect a minimum of 16,000 units of blood each week to meet the needs of patients

• Platelets expire after five days

• Red blood cells expire after 42 days

• Plasma expires after one year