Winnipeggers respond to urgent plea for blood, but need remains ‘concerning’

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This article was published 25/07/2023 (792 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Derek Hay has donated blood 201 times and he takes pride in the record.

“It’s just something to do to give back to people. It’s no harm to me, I mean, you always get the blood back in you. It’s a bit of a needle prick and that’s it,” Hay said.

“It doesn’t hurt at all, it takes maybe an hour of time, and you can get that warm, fuzzy feeling that you’re giving back to somebody. If you ever need blood, its really nice to know that somebody there has donated it for you.”

Canadian Blood Services was able to fill 438 vacant appointments after issuing a plea for donations Friday to combat low inventory levels in Winnipeg. It is still seeking to fill 35 appointments before the end of the month.

In August, there are another 2,000 vacant appointments, a spokesperson confirmed Tuesday.

“Typically we see (low inventories) in the summer, but it’s definitely more concerning right now,” said Gayle Voyer, associate director for Canadian Blood Services.

“There are patients in need and they’re fighting for their lives, waiting for these vital donations.”

An influx of cancelled donation appointments have contributed to the dip in blood inventory. Cancer patients, accident victims and people with immunodeficiency, autoimmune and neurological disorders rely on blood donations daily, she said.

“I am asking for anybody that is eligible to donate — anybody who has maybe thought about donating in the past — please sign up for an appointment… We need a lot of donors to roll up their sleeves and support patients in need.”

Voyer said some types of blood are particularly needed, including B negative, A negative, A positive, O negative and O positive.

Hay, 64, has been donating blood since he was a teenager. His next appointment is booked for September.

He typically donates whole blood — complete in its original form, with red cells, plasma and platelets — that can be broken down into individual components and used to support several recipients. Each whole-blood donation can save numerous lives.

“I think about it all the time,” he said. “Being able to help other people who need it at the worst time in their lives and their family’s lives.”

According to Blood Services guidelines, healthy males are eligible to donate whole blood every 56 days; females can donate every 84 days.

Appointments are required, but there are numerous donation sites throughout the city that accept same-day bookings. A typical donation includes approximately 500 millilitres of blood. Donors are encouraged to arrive well-hydrated, and after eating a healthy meal.

Donors can book appointments and review eligibility requirements by calling 1-888-236-6283 (DONATE) or visiting blood.ca.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca