If you haven’t given blood in a while, or are considering being a donor — Canadian Blood Services is urging you to attend upcoming clinics in Timmins.
The organization is looking to fill 93 spots at its Aug. 27, 28 and 29 clinics.
“To be fair, we’re pretty well booked right now for Monday and Tuesday, it’s Wednesday where we need the most help, where we’re still looking for close to 50 donors,” said Canadian Blood Services’ Elaine St. Pierre.
Summer is generally a slower time for blood donation, according to St. Pierre.
“Our regular donors are just away or busy with summer activities so we know that’s always been a challenge and we know that the Labour Day weekend ahead across the region is going to be a particularly challenging time for us to fill our clinics. So that’s why this urgent need is out and we’re urging all people to come out and donate before Labour Day because donations made now will help us get through the rest of the summer,” she said.
While everyone is encouraged to get involved, they are especially looking for donors with type O negative blood, which is compatible with all the other blood types.
“In an emergency when seconds count and there’s just no time to check the blood type, patients will receive O negative blood,” she explained.
“If you know you’re an O negative blood, there’s a good chance that somebody in your family has it too so we would encourage you to get a family member to join you in donating blood this summer.”
The Timmins clinics are being held at St. Dominique hall, 720 Park St.
It runs Monday, Aug. 27 from 2:30 – 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 28 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 4 – 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 29, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
St. Pierre explained it takes about an hour to donate.
For regular donors, she said they can get a questionnaire emailed to them, which is filled out the morning of your appointment. It allows them to skip that stage at the clinic, and head right into health assessment.
You can book an appointment at blood.ca or call 1-888-2DONATE. Walk-ins are also welcome.
