Ponoka residents are encouraged to donate blood next month during a local clinic set for Dec. 2.
"We are in Ponoka that day from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Ponoka Drop-in Centre," said Tianna Doyle, community development manager of donor relations with Canadian Blood Services (CBS).
Those interested in donating are asked to book an appointment by clicking on the 'Book Now' tab at www.blood.ca, or by calling 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
Another option is that if a donor belongs to a company or has a group of friends or family members who are interested in donating blood as well, they can sign on with the 'Partners for LIfe' program. Appointments can then be organized for the group to come in at the same time to donate, she said.
"One donation saves up to three lives. A lot of people also have the conception that donating takes a long time, but that isn't the case. It only takes about an hour out of your day. Most of the appointment is doing screening questions, and speaking with a nurse to make sure you are eligible to donate."
The actually giving of blood only takes about five or 10 minutes.
"You are literally saving a life by coming in to donate, and there is always a need. We can't stockpile blood - there is a shelf life for it," she explained.
"So that is why the need for blood is always constant."
Doyle said the different components of blood last for various lengths of time.
"Red blood cells last for about 42 days, while platelets only last for seven days," she said.
She noted another obstacle to donating can be when folks assume they aren't eligible to donate, even though they might be.
"Actually, one in every two Canadians is eligible to donate blood. But only about one in every 76 do. So it could be more likely you can donate than you may think; the parameters are also always changing and evolving as new research comes out.
"What I would say is that if you are interested in donating, but were told you couldn't in the past, visit us at blood.ca, and check your eligibility that way," she said.
Meanwhile, Doyle said CBS attempts to hold clinics in communities around the province about four times each year.
Again, for more information about making a donation, or to book an appointment, call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
