Demand is always there for blood clinics

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Bill Freeman

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EMC News -Norwood The demand for blood products never wanes which is why the clinic at the Norwood Town Hall is vitally important and welcome, says clinic supervisor Cheryl Unger of Canadian Blood Services (CBS).

Hosted by the Norwood Lions and Lioness Clubs in partnership with the township of Asphodel-Norwood and the CBS, last Saturday's clinic had 56 bookings and a target goal of 39 units. Every unit has the potential of saving three lives, says Unger, which is something people should consider if they're hesitant about giving.

There's always a need, she says, and with many Canadians travelling south for the winter some of the CBS's regular clients miss giving at their regular clinics. Others travelling to particular destinations like the Dominican Republic are not able to donate for a full year after returning because of malarial outbreaks that have occurred during hurricane season.

The Norwood Town Clinic is "very good," she says. "We do see familiar faces. Sometimes we see them at the permanent clinic in Peterborough because they've missed Nor-wood."

"They are very loyal and dedicated."

Unger says it's crucial to attract new donors and is pleased with the response they get from college and university students. Eligible high school students are also encouraged to donate and CBS staff visit local secondary schools to talk about blood products and why they are needed. The visits are also a way of easing anxieties first-time donors might have, she added.

"We want to make sure they are prepared. We also encourage them to bring a friend so that person is there with them."

The Peterborough permanent clinic invites groups of high school students to visit together.

"That time will be blocked off for them," she said.

CBS staff make the experience as positive as they can for first-time donors. Still, Unger says that a person can "stop at any point" if they are feeling uneasy.

"Don't hesitate, if you don't want to do it just say no."

Students in emergency and health-related programs like nursing, paramedics, fire and rescue and policing are keen to donate, she says. There are often competitions among the programs to see which course brings in the most units.

Trent University nursing students sponsored and organized their own clinic and handed out special pins to everyone who donated that day.

"That was the first time they did that."

Unger also says young people with friends experiencing a health crisis are motivated to give blood as a way of showing support for their friends.

"That's when it brings it home to them."

For Mike Selby donating blood was something he was proud to do.

An "RH baby," Selby needed a complete blood transfusion at birth to stay alive.

"So I'm happy to give back. Blood saved my life, hopefully I can save someone else's life."

The next Norwood clinic is March 24 at 9 a.m. The next Campbellford clinic is March 20 at 3 p. m







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