Canadian Blood Services needs your help on February 3

LEAMINGTON — The COVID-19 pandemic has forced changes to the way people donate blood, but Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is still holding monthly blood donor clinics in Leamington.

“During these uncertain times, one thing remains constant, and that is the need for blood,” says Marisa Gatfield, Territory Manager for CBS. “As offices and businesses are closing, and people are practicing social distancing, Canadian Blood Services is asking donors who are healthy and eligible to come and donate blood at their local donor centre.”

Gatfield adds that, while most of their mobile blood donation events in Essex County have remained in operation during the pandemic, they’ve had to reduce the number of appointments to respect physical distancing requirements.

“Every donation counts and every appointment is filled,” she said. “In Leamington on February 3, we aim to collect 115 units of blood to keep up with hospital demand.”

Although a lot elective surgeries have been postponed during this second wave of the pandemic, Gatfield stresses that other critical needs, such as cancer patients, accident victims and people with blood disorders, still require donated blood.

They have implemented various measures in response to COVID-19 to ensure donor’s wellbeing is safeguarded during donation.

Thankfully, there is enough blood on the shelves currently to meet patients’ needs, but they need the donor appointments to be filled to ensure the national supply meets demands and supports patients’ needs during these winter months.

Due to COVID restrictions, they currently only accept donations by appointments. This helps minimizes the number of people at the donor centre on donation day.

The upcoming donation event is on Wednesday, February 3 at the Leamington Lebanese Club on Highway 77. It runs from 1 pm to 7 pm.

Gatfield is asking that all healthy and eligible donors call 1-888-236- 6283, or book an appointment on www.blood.ca.

“We are immensely grateful to donors for their cooperation, understanding and support during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.