Canadian Blood Services has activated the ‘Blood Signal’ as reminder for Central Albertans to give blood in February.

The Blood Signal is on. That means there is a need for more first-time and current blood donors to donate now. Over the next three weeks there are still 33,000 appointments available at blood donor clinics across the country where donors can help save lives.

In addition to the ongoing need for blood, winter weather can present challenges for the national blood system.

Since late December, winter storms and poor weather conditions have forced the cancellation of a number of blood donor clinics across the country—making it even more important for Canadians to book and attend their blood donation appointments now and throughout the rest of the season.

“Canadian Blood Services provides a steady flow of blood products to hundreds of Canadian hospitals for patient care,” says Mark Donnison, vice-president of donor relations.

“Just one person undergoing heart surgery may need up to five blood donors to help them through, while another patient fighting cancer could need as many as five donors a week during treatment.”

Answer the blood signal and help save the life of someone who needs help, visit www.blood.ca or call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) now to book an appointment for an upcoming blood donor clinic.

There is still a special need for more ‘O’ and ‘A negative’ donors.

Residents of Red Deer are asked to give blood at the Red Deer blood donor clinic at #5 5020 – 68 St. Clinic hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

-Weber