Canadian Blood Services is encouraging people to come out and give the gift of life heading into the busy holiday season.
The need for blood and blood products never fades, yet the number of donors available tends to drop off during the Christmas break.
That’s why it’s so important says spokesperson Gord Skiffington, that people come out for the annual VOCM Holiday Blood Drive today at Canadian Blood Services on Wicklow Street.
Gord Skiffington (VOCM News)
“Blood is perishable,” says Skiffington, “and they typically operate on a 3 to 5 day supply. Any donations made today will be shipped out to hospitals and infused into a patient. We need all blood donors, all blood types, every single day of the year in order to meet patient need.”
That’s whether it’s an accident victim, or someone who suffered an unexpected injury, or a child requiring regular blood products as part of leukemia treatment.
Mount Pearl Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley (VOCM News)
Mount Pearl Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley is one of those who knows first-hand the importance of having blood products available.
Kieley suffered devastating and life-threatening injuries after she was struck and pinned under an SUV that crashed through the front of Shoppers Drug Mart on LeMarchant Road in St. John’s in May of last year.
“I received blood products on-site, and in the emergency room,” says Keiley. “It’s one of the things that saved my life that day.” She also learned that all ambulances in the province must have a universal blood type ( O) on board and available in case of emergency.
The blood donor clinic takes place today from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Call 1-888-2-DONATE to book an appointment.
