NEWS RELEASE
CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES
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Did you know that less than 4% of eligible donors give blood each year?
And did you know that because of the short shelf life for blood, the need is constant?
You can help! In fact, Canadian Blood Services (CBS) has made it easier than ever to give. Based on the most recent scientific evidence, CBS in April made a wide range of changes to donor eligibility and screening criteria.
Some of the highlights of the 2018 eligibility criteria revisions include:
- Removing the HIV deferral for people who have travelled to Cameroon and Togo;
- Shortening the deferral time for people who have had tattoos and piercings; ***
- Updating the restrictions for marijuana usage; and
- Reducing the waiting period for recipients of blood and blood products
In addition, donors who have had a tattoo or piercing will only have to wait three months before donating blood, which is half the time it used to be! We estimate thousands more people will be eligible to donate blood as a result of these latest changes. How exciting!
For more information about our eligibility criteria and to book an appointment to give blood, please visit blood.ca, and try our online Eligibility Quiz or check out The ABCs of Eligibility
Making an appointment to donate has also never been easier. Visit blood.ca, download our GiveBlood app or call 1-888-2-DONATE. Walk-in appointments are also available at all locations.
There are a pair of local blood donor clinics in Orillia next week. The first one will be held Thursday, May 10 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a second one will be held Friday, May 11 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Both will be held in the Hermitage Ballroom of the Mariposa Inn at 400 Memorial Ave. in Orillia.
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