Canadian Blood Services is encouraging residents of Gander to participate in blood donor clinics in the town this week to help to ensure the blood system can meet the demands throughout Newfoundland.
Clinics are being held today from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hotel Gander and Tuesday from 12 noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
Canadian Blood Services said in a news release last week's adverse weather from tropical storm Leslie contributed to a challenging week for blood donation in the province.
"One thing the storm did not interrupt is hospital patients’ blood requirements," said Peter MacDonald, director of donor and clinic services in the Atlantic region.
"The need for blood is constant. Hospitals continue to draw on the supply of blood as hospital patients require treatment regardless of weather disruptions," MacDonald said."They will continue to undergo treatment for cancer, surgery, for car accidents and other traumas, and for hundreds of other medical situations that require blood or blood products."
Eligible Gander residents are encouraged to call 1-888-2-DONATE ( 1-888-236-6283) to book an appointment to donate. Donors who already have scheduled appointments are also encouraged to make best efforts to keep their appointment.
Canadian Blood Services says there's always a particular need for O negative blood donors as they are the universal donor because their blood can be used by all patients.
Anyone with questions about eligibility or anyone who needs to book or reschedule an appointment can also phone the toll-free number.
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