By Katie Strachan
The Oshawa Express

Like it or not, the summer is winding down. With the final long weekend just upon us, more people are expected to pack up the car, head to the cottage and enjoy their last days of freedom. But with the increased travel can come added risks and more highway and boating accidents, according to the Canadian Blood Services, which is why they are encouraging Canadians to donate even more.“In central Ontario, we need to collect 12,550 units of blood during August and 12,650 units in September to continue meeting patient needs,” says Janine Smith, community development coordinator. “During August, many regular blood
donors were on vacation, and this, combined with the long awaited arrival
of warm weather, caused a noticeable drop in the number of appointment
bookings and an increase in missed appointments.”

One trauma patient can require about 30 to 50 units of blood, says Smith. To make matters worse, some blood products, like platelets, have a short five-day shelf life and need to be
replenished on a regular basis, she says, adding this is the reason more donations are needed through the long weekend and the summer months.“The low appointment trend is continuing as we move towards the long weekend, so please make an appointment at your earliest
convenience,” encourages Smith.

“In central Ontario, we need to collect 12,550 units of blood during
August and 12,650 units in September to continue meeting patient needs.”

-Janine Smith
Canadian Blood Services

“If you have an appointment, please honour it or call to rebook.” Canadian Blood Services recently opened a permanent blood donor clinic at 1300 Harmony Road North on the southwest corner of Taunton Road. The clinic is open Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Oshawa clinic is closed on Sundays.

Call 1-888-2 DONATE (1-866-236 6283) to book an appointment.