There is always a need for blood, and Canadian Blood Services is working hard to get people to consider donating blood.
The need for blood doesn’t go away explains Grant Criddle with Canadian Blood Services. The reason is both that there is always a need for blood in the health system, but also that there is no way to store blood for a long period of time.
“We can’t build up a supply and then store it for a long period of time, the actual shelf life is about one week, so what happens is that the need for blood is ongoing and consistent.”
Criddle explains that the need for blood goes beyond emergencies such as accidents. Chronic diseases often require frequent blood transfusions, Criddle explains, as well as surgeries such as hip replacements, for example, which can take up to five units of blood.
“That’s the great thing about blood donation from the perspective of a donor, we know that our donation is being used immediately. It’s going into in a hospital and it’s going into the inventory after it is tested and screened, of course. Very little blood is left over.”
It takes about an hour to donate blood, and requires some small physical testing, a questionnaire and a private screening interview before the donation. The actual process of donating blood is about ten to fifteen minutes.
One thing that Criddle wants to see is younger donors. The age range for donation is between 17 to 61 years of age, and in Saskatchewan the median age is about 40. Criddle wants to see that number go down, so that the province has a strong donor base for years to come.
All blood is needed, and Criddle says that it’s important to have everyone who can donate.
“All types of blood are needed. Some is rarer than others, there are universal donors and it’s awesome if we have them, but all types of blood are used.”
There are things people need to remember before they donate, Criddle notes. Being in generally good health is necessary, if someone is feeling in any way ill it’s the wrong time to donate blood. Hydration is also one of the most important things people need to remember, drinking lots of water both the day before and the day of donation, as well as eating well.
After donation snacks are provided and it’s recommended people avoid strenuous activity for 6-8 hours. It’s also 56 days minimum between donations, and people need to wait six months after receiving tattoos or piercings before donating.
If people can’t donate, Criddle says that they can still help. He says that volunteers are something that are always needed. He says that the volunteer base in the city is strong, and he thanks the many long-term volunteers in the city, but that it’s always helpful to have a strong base that they can rely on.
The goal of each clinic is to collect 120 units of blood, though Criddle explains that they over-book just in case something comes up in the screening process. He says that it’s the most challenging time for Canadian Blood Services is during the winter, because many people are coming off of holidays and have difficulty committing to donation.
Criddle recommends people pre-register to donate, because that makes it easier for donors and blood services themselves. People can register online at http://www.blood.ca, use the Give Blood app on their phone which can give locations for nearby clinics and connect people to information or call 1-888-2-DONATE to register for an appointment. Criddle says calling is the best way for people with specific questions to book an appointment, because they are able to speak with a nurse. Clinics are held in Yorkton monthly, with the next one being February 12.
