Let's face it, during the summer we are all less disciplined. Our regimes all take a bit of a hit. Exercising, eating right, getting to bed on time are often put on the back burner.  

Unfortunately, the change in routine during the summer spells bad news for the people at Canadian Blood Services.  Lisa Castro is the Territory Manager, Donor Relations for Alberta and Saskatchewan and she explains that the need for blood products over the summer is always great.

"Summer is always a very difficult time for us to collect blood.  People are away and they're busy with other activities so there tend to be fewer blood donations during the summer, but cancer patients, accident victims and people with blood disorders rely on blood transfusions every day."

A good example of the shortage of donors in the summer is the clinic that's scheduled for later today (July 16) at the Chestermere Regional Community Association at 201 West Chestermere Drive.  As of Friday, only half of the 150 donors needed for the clinic had booked an appointment.  

Castro says the need for blood products is constant throughout the year. 

"Demand is constant and blood products have a limited shelf life and we want to make sure that the national supply meets demand and supports people's needs during the summer months.  People get busy with different activities and we don't have very many regular donors as it is.  One in every second Canadian is eligible to give but we only see about one in every 60 actually donate."

Castro says compounding the problem is the ageing donor base for Canadian Blood Services.  She says, "As they age out of the blood system, we need more new donors to step up."

Along with the Chestermere clinic which is on from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm this afternoon, there's another clinic scheduled for next weekend in Airdrie.

"On July 21st we're going to be at the Airdrie Town and Country Centre just off Jensen Drive and that clinic is running from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

If you'd like to book an appointment for either of the clinics mentioned here or find out about eligibility requirements you can visit blood.ca.  Appointments are recommended.   

 

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoveraidrie.com