Thanks for Coaldale Cares support

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Sunny South News

Dear Editor,

On behalf of Canadian Blood Services, I’d like to thank Sunny South News and the Town of Coaldale for your support of December’s Coaldale Cares Blood Donor Challenge.

This year’s challenge helped provide over 1400 units of blood to Canadian patients and encourage 167 local residents to join Canada’s Lifeline as new blood donors. What an excellent way to end 2019!

Donors are needed this year to ensure patients’ needs are met. Every minute, someone in Canada needs blood. Donated blood lasts no longer than 42 days; the demand for blood never stops. Blood components are supplied to over 700 hospitals across Canada. Everything we do to help patients in Canada depends on donors. Blood donors are a vital link in Canada’s Lifeline.

While all blood types help patients, hospitals always need O-negative blood because it is the only type compatible with all other blood types. When seconds count and somebody’s life is on the line, there’s no time to check their blood type, hospital patients in an emergency can all receive O-negative blood.

Giving blood is one of the most direct ways you can help someone. I encourage donors to continue being the reason – the connection – that keeps Canada’s Lifeline going.

During the month of February, there are over 800 open appointments at the Lethbridge donor centre located at 220-200 4 Avenue (Lethbridge Centre). The donor centre is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Making an appointment to donate has never been easier. Download the GiveBlood app, call 1-888-2DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or book now at blood.ca. Walk-in appointments are also available at all locations.

Somewhere, a patient and their family will be thankful!

LISA CASTRO
Territory Manager, Canadian Blood Services