Canadian Blood Services are inviting potential donors to make appointments and attend clinics.
Peter MacDonald, director of donor relations for Atlantic Canada, said the need for blood remains constant during the COVID-19 pandemic, as there is a struggle for supply.
“Hospital patients will need blood and blood products, cancer treatments will continue. Certain surgeries, accidents, traumas will continue to occur so the need for blood remains constant,” said MacDonald.
“It’ll be important that we continue to replenish our supply as blood is perishable.”
He said donation sites will continue to operate, with wellness checks at the front of events to confirm the wellness of donors and to check for anyone who should be self-isolating.
“So the first question on our questionnaire is ‘are you feeling well today?’ So you shouldn’t attend a blood drive or a blood donor centre if you’re not feeling well,” said MacDonald.
He said there is already an enhanced cleaning protocol in the case of someone making it past the checkpoints with COVID-19.
“I’d encourage folks as well that all the current evidence indicates that COVID-19 is not something that’s transmitted by blood or blood products, so our blood remains safe for patients and the act of donating blood,” said MacDonald.
He said there isn’t a larger demand for blood, but supply is dwindling due to sites that are now closed as well as attendance and appointments cancelled.
MacDonald said they collected only 60 per cent of their target in New Brunswick.
The easiest way to donate is to go to blood.ca to find the most convenient place and time or to call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
