Canadian Blood Services (CBS) came to council's Policies and Priorities committee meeting last week to stress the importance of giving blood during the two clinics held annually in Olds.
The next one will be happening at the Olds College Alumni Centre on Dec. 3 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Sabrina DiCintio, manager of the clinics in the Olds area, told council that people in the Olds area generally do their part to keep the blood supply plentiful by donating over 300 units of blood on an annual basis. The target for the upcoming clinic is 120 units.
DiCintio said while the Olds area is a good contributor, often the clinics see the same individuals donating each time, and CBS would like to broaden that base. She said donating blood is a good way to demonstrate leadership.
“Donating blood has a direct impact. Donating blood is a good way for busy people to give back to the community,” she said.
Coun. Mary Jane Harper said she thought the town should consider how it could partner with CBS in the future.
“I really would encourage people to donate blood if they could,” she said.
It takes about one hour for an individual to donate. They are asked to fill out a donor card and are given a hemoglobin test. Once that is finished, people fill out a questionnaire and their blood pressure is taken. Once that is processed, the donation itself takes about 10 minutes to complete.
DiCintio said once the clinic is completed, the blood is taken to Calgary, where it is tested for its suitability to be put into circulation, then it is made into blood products and shipped out to hospitals around the country.
