Local residents are being asked to rally friends, family and co-workers to help save a life this month.
Lisa Ruck, Canadian Blood Services community development coordinator of mobile clinics in southern Ontario, says more donors are needed at the monthly Fergus blood donor clinics at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.
“We need new donors and we also need eligible former donors to return and start giving blood again, as this year so far, we have seen a slight downturn in donor attendance at these clinics,” said Ruck.
“Patient need, however, is on the increase.”
She explained it often takes more than one blood donor to save a patient’s life, for example:
– car accident victim, up to 50 donors;
– Leukemia patient, up to eight donors a week for several weeks;
– cardiovascular surgery patient, up to five donors;
– a patient with internal bleeding, up to two to eight donors;
– aplastic anemia patient, up to four donors a month;
– bone marrow transplant patient, up to two donors a day;
– brain surgery patient, up to two donors; and
– hip replacement patient, up to two donors.
Upon meeting with the laboratory manager at Groves Memorial Community Hospital, Ruck said she learned the hospital typically transfuses an average of 50 units of blood per month; however, in August, they transfused more than 80 units.
“This, coupled with the fact that Canadian Blood Services has activated the Blood Signal, means that the time for residents of Fergus to act is now,” Ruck said.
She explained the the Blood Signal serves as a rallying cry for communities to come together and save lives and will run until Sept. 30.
“As local residents return to work and school following the summer holidays, we’re asking that they return to blood donation as well,” Ruck said.
“On average, Canadian Blood Services needs to book approximately 30,000 appointments each and every week to collect enough blood to meet the needs of hospital patients. Right now, and looking out over the next four weeks, Canadian Blood Services needs more than 3,000 additional Canadians to book an appointment to donate blood.
“That’s why we are asking Canadians to answer the call of the Blood Signal, rally their family and friends, and book appointments.”
To book an appointment or for more information, visit Canadian Blood Services at www.blood.ca or call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
