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Growing Need

Blood donor clinic returns to Prince Albert

Jul 6, 2020 | 12:59 PM

After four months away, Canadian Blood Services donor clinics are returning to Prince Albert.

Residents will have the opportunity to give blood Monday July 6, from 2-7 p.m. at the Prince Albert Exhibition Grounds.

In order to manage the number of people in the centre, all donors must make an appointment.

Jennifer Dareichuk, associate director of Donor Relations, told paNOW Canadian Blood Services has continued to operate during the pandemic, but some locations, including Prince Albert were shut down.

She said the organization has kept pace with demand for blood, but with the resumption of elective surgeries, the need for donations is growing.

“The need for blood is rising right now as hospitals resume their procedures,” she explained.

Canadian Blood Services normally visits Prince Albert once a month, but has two donor clinic scheduled in the city in July.

Appointments on both days are nearly fully booked.

“We know there are a lot of people that want to help patients in need of blood,” Dareichuk said. “And we really need every appointment filled.”

As of 11 a.m. Monday, there were ten out of 94 total appointments still available at the donor clinic later that day.

“Summer months are challenging in normal circumstances, but in a pandemic we expect it could be even more challenging,” she said. “So we really need people to know that the need [for donors] is there.”

alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom

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