Booking an appointment to give blood is as easy as going to blood.ca, downloading the GiveBlood app, or calling 1-888-2-DONATE. (Canadian Blood Services)

By Jordan Davidson

blood.ca

Blood donation need doesn’t slow down for the holidays

Dec 14, 2021 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO — The need for blood and plasma donations in Canada doesn’t end just because it’s the holiday season.

Across the country over 18,000 blood donation appointments need to be filled by Jan. 4, 2022, with over 3,000 of those appointments open here in B.C.

Canadian Blood Services associate director of donor relations Gayle Voyer said the pandemic hasn’t slowed down the number of people donating.

“We did see many donors coming out and supporting us throughout the pandemic, and during the holiday season we just see that slow down a little. We do have an immediate need for donors over the next two weeks going into the holiday season.”

She said while the flooding and mudslides in B.C. did have an impact on their supply, it was concentrated to the interior and Fraser Valley areas of the province and quickly resolved.

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She went on to say families sometimes use the holiday gatherings as a chance to donate as a group.

“It’s a lovely idea. We see a lot of families when they are coming together for the holidays they do come in and donate together. It’s a really nice and feel good way to give back during the holiday season. So thanks to families who are considering doing that this holiday season.”

There’s also instructions online if it’s your first time donating. Voyer says to make sure you’re properly hydrated, are in good health, have a meal before donating, and bring your ID. The next blood drive in Nanaimo will be between Jan. 4-3, 2022.

COVID-19 vaccinations have no impact on your ability to donate, regardless of the proximity of your doses to your donation date.

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