The annual blood donor clinic organized by Port Moody firefighters is cancelled.
But the need for donated blood continues, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The clinic, which is normally held at Inlet station in early May, is an important community outreach initiative that helps reinforce the work firefighters do with the people they help, especially at emergency scenes like traffic accidents.
Marcelo Dominguez, a spokesperson for the British Columbia region of Canadian Blood Services that manages the country’s collection and distribution of donated blood, said despite the loss of mobile donation clinics and special events like the one organized by Port Moody’s firefighters, there’s actually been an increase in blood donations.
“Donors are responding well,” Dominguez said, adding they can now complete a prescreening questionnaire online and then book appointments at its blood centres in Vancouver or Surrey.
Dominguez said the appointment system minimizes the number of people who have to be at the donor centres.
He said while the increased number of blood donations is helping maintain inventory in the short term, blood products have a short shelf life and the need to replenish them is ongoing.
Dominguez added giving blood can be good for the soul as well.
“Blood donation can also help address feelings of helplessness many folks may have in the face of COVID-19,” he said. “Gaining a sense of control during this situation can help contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing.”
• Appointments to give blood can be booked online at blood.ca or through the GiveBlood app, or by calling 1-888-236-6283.
