Key Takeaways:
- In Saskatchewan, the number of people walking into Canadian Blood Services facilities has fallen.
- Earl Driedger has been donating blood for 35 years. On the other hand, Canadian Blood Services needs a lot more people like him to meet the need.
- On average, blood donations last 42 days, with most of them being used within the first five days of receipt.
The number of persons walking into Canadian Blood Services clinics in Saskatchewan has decreased. The COVID-19 epidemic has had a significant impact on the decline in donations.
“It’s really important to get out and donate blood,” said Earl Driedger, a long-time Saskatoon donor.
“It’s one thing to preach about being a nice person, but stepping up and donating blood changes the world.”
Earl Driedger has donated blood for the past 35 years. However, to meet the need, Canadian Blood Services requires many more people like him. Every month, thousands of people are needed to donate blood.
Also read: According to the most recent statistics, Saskatchewan has 403 COVID-19 hospitalizations
“To have our optimal contributions in Saskatoon, we have over 1,900 a month that need to be filled,” Lisa Beechinor, region manager for Canadian Blood Services in Saskatoon, explained.
“Every year, we need over 100,000 new donors in Canada.” We’re urging contributors to come out and give as if their life depended on it because they do.”
It’s an ever-increasing need, with fewer and fewer people willing to donate.
“Blood and blood products are available to one out of every two persons,” Beechinor stated. “However, only one out of every 81 donors does so, so it’s vital that new and repeat donors schedule and keep appointments to guarantee that patients’ requirements are met today and in the future.”
The ending of the month is approaching for Beechinor, and hundreds more donations are still needed.
“We presently have 200 or more openings across Saskatchewan that need to be filled by April,” Beechinor added, “with 250 in Saskatoon and 60 in Regina.”
Blood donations only survive 42 days on average, with most of them being utilized within the first 5 days of receiving it. It’s why frequent donors like Earl Driedger are so important.
“It’s something you can do to help folks,” Driedger remarked. “Especially in the event of a pandemic, when help is desperately needed.”
“People are still getting sick, and they need blood.” I don’t believe there is anything more essential than the fact that giving blood can save a life.”
Source: Global News
