Héma-Québec is asking blood donors to book appointments in large numbers this spring to replenish its depleted summer reserve.
The non-profit organization says it needs 100 more blood donations every day, tacked on to the 1,000 daily donations normally required.
Héma-Québec says the demand for blood products is increasing as activities gradually resume throughout the province.
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The organization says it has made changes to its daily practices due to the pandemic. Blood donors are now required to book an appointment by calling 1-800-343-7264 (SANG) or sending an email to [email protected].
A list of upcoming blood drives throughout Quebec is available on the Héma-Québec website.
“Extensive safety measures,” have been deployed at collection sites, according to the organization, to ensure that giving blood remains a safe experience. “Protecting the safety of donors, volunteers, and employees is a top priority,” says Héma-Québec, and it has applied the following strict measures:
- Temperature checks taken of all donors, volunteers, and employees prior to entering the site
- Disinfection of the screens used to administer the blood donation qualification questionnaire, as well as of the collection beds
- A review of the logistical organization of blood drives to comply with distancing measures
- The addition of acrylic panels in all collection sites
- The mandatory wearing of a surgical mask, provided by Héma-Québec, for all blood donors during the time spent at the collection site, as well as for all employees and volunteers who, by the nature of their duties, must work closer than the established limit of two metres of physical distancing
Each year, Héma-Québec delivers over 750,000 human biological products to hospitals around the province that meet the needs of patients.
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