Blood supplies in our province have held up well during the pandemic.

Steve Raizen, Territory Manager for Canadian Blood Services, says since their call for support in March when the pandemic first began, they have experienced a strong increase in blood donations. He says that's helped them maintain their blood inventory.

"So we really want to thank the donors for their generosity," says Raizen. "But as many people have said this is a marathon not a sprint."

Raizen adds while the response from donors has been very generous, they still need donors in the weeks and months ahead. Therefore he says they're encouraging healthy donors who are able, to book an appointment and to come out and donate.

Physical distancing protocols have been implemented at all of blood donor clinics, including the ones they run in the Pembina Valley, added Raizen. "That's partly why we're asking donors to book and keep their appointments, and to come as close as possible to their appointment times so we can manage the flow of donors."

In addition, a number of wellness initiatives have also been put into place. Part of that includes doing a temperature check at the doors.
Raizen notes it is also mandatory for donors, staff and volunteers to wear masks at all donation centres. If you don't have one, a mask will be provided for you.

Meanwhile, Raizen notes there will be an additional donor clinic in Winkler on June 23rd at the Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

"We do need donors for that. This in fact is not one of our regular events but it's an event that we've added into the Winkler community because another site was unable to host us."

Raizen says they have over 100 open appointments for that donation event. People wishing to donate are asked to book appointments ahead of time as walk-ins are not accepted.

Appointments can be booked online at www.blood.ca, with the 'GiveBlood' app, or by phoning 1-888-2-DONATE.

If people are not able to donate blood but are still wanting to make a contribution, Raizen encourages them to visit blood.ca and for eligible Canadians to consider joining the Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry. He says that's something that can be done at home.

"They can request a self-swab kit and complete the application online, and that's another way they can give back, by registering to potentially be a stem cell or bone marrow donor."

How stem cell donation works.