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Sorry, Sudburians, if you want to donate blood you need to go to Barrie

Canadian Blood Services concerned about blood supply as donations drop during pandemic, but city's clinic closed in January, new clinic not opening until summer
blood donation shutterstock
(File photo)

Canadian Blood Services' push for blood donations is an ongoing battle the oranization fights throughout the year. The need for donor blood is constant.

On March 16, when the COVID-19 pandemic was in its early stages in Canada, Canadian Blood Services experienced a spike in appointment cancellations in several cities, possibility due to public uncertainty over the safety of donating blood in the midst of a pandemic. 

At the same time, government officials are urging people to stay home and keep a safe social distance from one another.

The need for blood is constant, as stated above: for surgery, for emergencies — medical necessity doesn't stop in the midst of a pandemic, but it makes it more difficult to convince donors to leave their homes and get within two metres of another person in order to give blood.

But the need is still present.

Canadian Blood Services stressed to Sudbury.com that donating blood comes with no risks associated with COVID-19.

"Donating blood in Canada continues to be safe. Our robust cleaning and infection-control practices protect all donors, staff and volunteers. All prospective donors are also carefully screened for any symptoms of illness, including very mild ones," said the organization in a news release.

"This screening occurs during both appointment booking and upon arrival at the donor centre or event. Those with any symptoms are not allowed to donate blood and are instructed not to visit."

It's likely many Sudburians would be willing to give blood at this time. Unfortunately, if you want to donate and you live in Greater Sudbury, you're out of luck.

Despite the organization's push for blood donors at this time, Greater Sudbury remains without a place to donate as the city's blood donor clinic on Barrydowne Road was closed in January as it transitions to a plasma donor clinic, which will be located at 900 Lasalle Blvd.

That clinic isn't slated to open until this summer. Sudbury.com is not suggesting anyone should actually travel to Barrie in the midst of a pandemic to donate blood, no matter how badly donations are needed.

Canadian Blood Services refused Sudbury.com's request for an interview regarding options for Sudburians looking to donate blood at this time.

"Our current need is for Canadians to donate blood in the communities where we have planned blood collections events," said Canadian Blood Services media relations manager Delphine Denis.

"In Sudbury we are transitioning from collecting blood to collecting plasma, to meet patient demand. To allow time to prepare for the opening of the new plasma donor centre, we ended operations at the blood donor centre at the end of January. Our new plasma donor centre will open later this summer, and we are looking forward to greeting the community at that time. In fact, donors can book their appointments now, to be among the first to donate plasma in Sudbury this summer."

According to the map of blood donor clinics in Ontario on the organization's website (https://www.blood.ca/en/blood/donor-centre-hours-locations), the closest location for any Sudburians looking to donate, is in Barrie, roughly three hours away.  

"Canadian Blood Services operates a national blood inventory where products are regularly shifted around the country to meet hospital and patient needs," said CBS in a March 16 news release. 

"The inventory is currently strong, but the recent increase in cancellations is worrying, particularly in light of the blood shortages already being reported in other countries affected by COVID-19. We urge all healthy eligible donors to book and keep appointments. The need is constant for blood, stem cells, plasma and organ and tissue donors."

Canadian Blood Services adheres to the latest guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada including all recommendations for public gatherings during COVID-19. Should the agency’s recommendations change they will act immediately to keep donors safe.

More information on COVID-19 is available at blood.ca/covid19.


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