For the Canadian Blood Services, the need for donations doesn’t wildly fluctuate – it remains relatively steady. That can be a challenge for officials with the organization as there are seasons during the year when donation levels drop off – and early in the year is one of those particular times.

Coming off of a busy holiday season, even regular and faithful donors get sidetracked with the various demands of the previous weeks. Often, the same kind of thing happens during the summer months when regular routines are dropped, people head out on vacation and so forth. Donating blood on a regular basis can take a back seat to the shifting demands of life.

Recently, the Canadian Blood Services put out another call for donations in light of the impact of the brutal winter that has slammed the country over the past while. Cold temperatures hinder a steady flow of donations as well.

Therefore, to help start the year off on a stronger note, CBS launches the annual Sirens for Life which sees police and emergency services workers publically sign up for the cause in an effort to spur donations across the community.

In Red Deer, the campaign, which runs through January and was launched last week, is marking 12 years. This year’s theme, ‘Someone still needs your help’, invites all residents of Red Deer and area to take part in Sirens for Life by donating blood at their local clinic in support of their emergency services teams.

To meet the need of hospital patients in January, Canadian Blood Services forecasts it will need to collect at least 12,000 blood donations in Alberta. To donate, you must be at least 17 years of age, in general good health and feeling well on the day of your donation.

You must also meet the other standard requirements for donation.

There are many ways to get even more involved – Canadian Blood Services works with hundreds of corporations and community organizations nationwide each year in support of their ‘Partners for Life’ program. As members of this program, companies, government agencies, community groups, schools, service clubs, faith organizations and many others demonstrate their commitment to saving lives through donating blood, platelets and plasma.

The level of need cannot be emphasized too much. According to Canadian Blood Services, approximately every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood.

According to a recent poll, 52% of Canadians say they, or a family member, have needed blood or blood products for surgery or for medical treatment.

The good news is that one blood donation – in just one hour – can save a life.

Call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) to make an appointment to give blood.