The slogan on the poster advertising this week’s Canadian Blood Services blood donor clinic in Ladysmith is “Because you’re the type to save a life.”
And right now, that type is O-negative.
Marcelo Dominguez, a spokesperson for Canadian Blood Services (CBS), says there is an urgent need for O-negative blood donors across the country.
“When time is of the essence, and someone’s life is on the line and there isn’t time to check blood types, patients get O-negative blood,” he explained. “Essentially, O-negative is the only blood type that is compatible with all others.”
Blood donors with O-negative blood are essentially universal donors, and theirs is the first blood doctors reach for in the most urgent cases, said Dominguez.
CBS has created a video to highlight the need for O-negative blood, which can be found on YouTube. at .
CBS is holding a blood donor clinic Thursday, Jan. 24 from 12:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Dominguez says the need for blood is constant. According to CBS’s website, someone in Canada needs blood approximately every minute of every day. The good news is that one blood donation — in just one hour — can save a life.
Call 1-888-2-DONATE to book an appointment. If you would like to donate as a group, contact Chris at 250-729-3628 or e-mail chris.barron@blood.ca.
Dominguez says walk-ins are welcome, but booking an appointment will help prevent long waits.
Visit the CBS website for more information.
