Blood donor clinic coming to Neepawa

Details

Published on Saturday, February 28, 2015

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson

The Neepawa Banner

Next week, Canadian Blood Services will be making a stop in Neepawa for a two day blood donor clinic. To be held at the Yellowhead Centre on March 2 and 3, Canadian Blood Services spokesperson Mike Choi said that they are looking for all types of donors.

Last year, 526 donors came through the doors of the six clinics held in Neepawa. Choi said that a total of 411 units of blood was collected, an amount that could be used to to provide a year’s worth of treatment for a cancer patient requiring five units of blood a week, as well as treat three victims of car accidents who might each need 50 units of blood.

As of this week, there were still appointments available and Choi said they are hoping to see some new faces at the clinics. With it being a new year, he said that this could be a good way to meet a new year’s resolution of saving a life. The organization is looking for a variety of donors, “We love to see additional O- [universal donor] donors, but we’re looking for all blood types,” said Choi.

Donors must be between the ages of 17 and 71 and must bring one piece of photo identification. Choi added that donors should be prepared to spend 60 to 90 minutes at the clinic. Donors should also be sure to drink lots of water and have eaten a hearty meal prior to their appointment. “If you’re physically prepared, you’ll have a great, quick, donation,” he said.

Canadian Blood Services will next be in Neepawa in early May.