Photo supplied by Canadian Blood Services
Canadian Blood Services is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves, with another opportunity to donate blood coming to Napanee next month.
The organization will hold its next local blood donation clinic on December 18 in Napanee at the Best and Bash Arena.
Business development manager Jason Haroutunian says regular donations are important because blood has a shelf life of just 42 days and cannot be stockpiled for extended periods.
Canadian Blood Services is working to bring one million new donors into the system over five years as the need for blood continues to grow. Demand from hospitals is expected to increase by about 10 per cent by 2030.
While all blood types are needed, O-negative donors are particularly important because their blood can be used for patients of any blood type in emergency situations.
For those who have never donated before, Haroutunian says the experience is designed to be welcoming, with caring staff available to answer questions.
He also encourages first-time donors to visit blood.ca, where they can find information, take a quiz and watch videos explaining the donation process.
The next opportunity to donate locally is December 18 in Napanee. Appointments can be booked through blood.ca.
