Edmonton’s newest donor centre just made giving blood a whole lot easier

Donating blood in Edmonton is about to become even more convenient. Here’s everything you need to know.

The current Canadian Blood Services’ donor centre on 114 Street is moving to a new and improved accessible facility in Whitemud Crossing, a community hub located just five minutes from Southgate Centre.

Thanks to its proximity to Calgary Trail, Gateway Boulevard, Whitemud Drive, and Anthony Henday, Edmontonians all across the city have easier access to the collection site. The new location is also easily accessible by transit and offers ample free parking, making it even more welcoming and convenient for donors.

If you’ve never donated blood before, it’s easier than you think! Assuming you meet the eligibility requirements, of course.

You can book an appointment online, fill out the screening questionnaire, and be in and out of your appointment in about an hour. The donation itself only takes 10 minutes — a small fraction of your day that could literally save someone’s life.

Fast facts

Canadian Blood Services

Canadian Blood Services operates a national system for blood, plasma, and stem cell donation to help patients across Canada.

The Edmonton donor centre is one of Canadian Blood Services’ largest collection sites. It collects over 40,000 units of whole blood, over 1800 platelet units, and over 9,000 plasma units annually.

But, it’s still difficult to keep up with demand. More than 5,000 donors are needed each month — including 450 new donors at the Edmonton donor centre — to meet patient needs across Canada. This new centre is designed according to a national standard to enhance operational efficiency, as well as improve and modernize the donation experience.

The process for booking an appointment to donate blood will not change, and in the meantime, you can continue to donate blood at the current location. The new location is projected to start taking donors in April.

Looking to support Canada’s Lineline? Book an appointment online or download the GiveBlood app, and be sure to check Canadian Blood Services’ new Edmonton donor centre at Whitemud Crossing, 4211 106 St. NW, when it opens its doors soon.