The Need for Blood Never Stops

There is always a need for blood and blood products. Most of us likely know someone who’s benefited from the gift of blood and we can, therefore, appreciate the importance the donation made to that person’s life. There may also come a time when each of us will need blood ourselves, whether it be due to an illness or an injury we’ve sustained. We can do our part to help ensure there is always blood available for our neighbours, friends, and families by donating blood. Fortunately, Canadian Blood Services is making it really easy and convenient to donate by hosting clinics throughout Dufferin-Caledon over the next several months.

Canadian Blood Services can attest that more than half of all Canadians will either need blood themselves or will know someone who does. It’s a fact which underscores the enormous need for blood donations. Summer isn’t far off and understandably, it’s generally a challenging time for blood collections. As Canadians prepare to celebrate Canada Day, many hospital patients will be fighting to celebrate life itself. They’ll urgently need blood. We all have the power to give life and donating blood is one of the most direct ways you can help someone.

Residents of Dufferin-Caledon are encouraged to donate blood this summer. Holidays and long weekends are always a difficult time for the blood system. While blood donations traditionally decrease because people are away on holidays or busy with family activities, the demand for blood usually increases due in part to an increase in trauma cases, such as car accidents. It’s a need that never stops and knowing the need may be higher in the summer, Canadian Blood Services has established blood drive clinics in this riding which can be found below.

April:

Orangeville Best Western – Monday April 29 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

May:

Caledon Community Complex – Thursday May 2 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Albion Bolton Community Centre – Tuesday May 7 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Orangeville Best Western – Monday May 27 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

June:

Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex – Friday June 14 from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Orangeville Best Western – Monday June 24 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

July:

Albion Bolton Community Centre – Tuesday July 2 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Orangeville Best Western – Monday July 29 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

August:

Caledon Community Complex – Thursday August 1 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Orangeville Best Western – Monday August 26 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

September:

Albion Bolton Community Centre – Tuesday September 3 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex – Friday September 20 from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Orangeville Best Western – Monday September 30 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

October:

Caledon Community Complex – Thursday October 24 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Orangeville Best Western – Monday October 28 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

While all blood types help patients, O-negative blood is in particular demand by hospitals because it is the only type compatible with all other blood types. O-negative blood is used in the most critical situations: for neonates, patients with compromised immune systems, and for trauma victims.

Since blood products have a limited shelf life, the demand for blood never stops. To book an appointment or to check your eligibility, download the GiveBlood app or call

1-888-2DONATE. You may also visit the Canadian Blood Services’ website at blood.ca

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Canadian Blood Services for their outstanding work to ensure the need for blood is always met and for bringing blood drive clinics to Dufferin-Caledon, to make it as simple and convenient for residents of this riding to give the gift of life.