Canadian Blood Services is now facing its lowest donor base in over a decade.
The number of people across the country who donate blood, plasma and platelets regularly has decreased by 31,000 since the start of the pandemic, making new and returning donors critical to strengthening Canada’s Lifeline.
1 in 2 people in Canada are eligible to donate, but only 1 in 81 actually does.
To help address the growing need for donated plasma, the Sudbury plasma donor centre opened in 2020. The community showed up to donate, raised awareness and recruited plasma donors to help save lives.
You’ve made a real difference, but the need for plasma is still more than four times what is currently donated.
Thousands of patients depend on medications made from donated plasma to help treat a variety of rare, life-threatening, chronic, and genetic conditions including immunodeficiency disorders, blood disorders and cancer. Donors who give plasma regularly play a vital role in securing a domestic supply of plasma for patients in Canada.
So, what is plasma and why do patients need you to donate yours?
Plasma is the protein-rich liquid in blood that helps other blood components circulate throughout our bodies. Canadian Blood Services collects plasma for the purpose of transfusion and for creating plasma protein products — lifesaving medications made from the proteins in plasma.
When donating plasma, your blood flows through a machine next to your bedside and your plasma is separated from your other blood components during the donation process itself. The plasma collection process takes about 75 minutes. Only your plasma is collected, and your red blood cells and platelets are returned to you.
This means you can donate plasma more frequently than whole blood and save lives more often.
Plasma donors have a unique opportunity to make donating a part of their regular routine and feel connected to a cause that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, their families, and communities.
How can you help save lives today?
Book an appointment at the Sudbury plasma donor centre by using the GiveBlood app, calling 1 888 2 DONATE, or at blood.ca/plasma.
Located at 900 Lasalle Boulevard, the centre is open six days a week and you can book up to five plasma donation appointments in advance. Donors are encouraged to donate monthly.
Plan ahead to make an impact.