NEWS RELEASE
CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES
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Canadian Blood Services has issued an urgent plea for Canadians to give blood.
More than 35,000 donors are needed by Spring Break to ensure all patients continue to have access to the blood and blood products they need.
Local blood donors can heed that call by attending the next Orillia Blood Donor Clinic, scheduled for Thursday, March 8 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Best Western Mariposa Inn at 400 Memorial Ave.
Officials say the national blood inventory has steadily declined over the winter months. They hope the arrival of spring will present an opportunity for Canadians to make donating blood part of their routine.
“Canadian patients rely on blood donors to live longer and healthier lives. More than 35,000 donors are needed over the next few weeks across Canada to help meet patient needs this spring,” said Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ chief supply chain officer.
Blood and blood products are a critical part of everyday medical care including major surgeries, medical procedures, cancer treatments and managing disease.
You may not be eligible to donate if your own health or the safety of the blood supply would be at risk by having you do so. If you have any questions or are not sure about your eligibility, please contact one of our trained health professionals at 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283)
“There are thousands of open appointments across Canada over the next two weeks. As we emerge from a particularly challenging winter, we’re asking Canadians to donate blood so that all patients have access to blood when they need it,” said Prinzen.
Making an appointment to donate has never been easier. Visit blood.ca, download our GiveBlood app or call 1-888-2-DONATE and find a nearby donation site. Walk-in appointments are also available at all locations.
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