Volunteers from the February 2019 blood donor clinic in Saugeen Shores were, front row, from left, Laura Reany and Rose Marie Mooney; back row, from left, Doug Johnston, Lyle Lawson and Mike Harley. Photo by KC Lawson

Hub Staff

The Canadian Blood Services (CBS) will be hosting another blood donor clinic on May 16 at the Plex in Port Elgin, 600 Tomlinson Drive, from 1 to 7 p.m.

In 2019 the Saugeen Shores clinics have increased from three to four times a year and with 143 units collected for the February 2019 clinic, they are very near their 144 unit target.

"Every unit we collect adds to much needed blood to supply," said CBS Volunteer Coordinator Lyle Lawson. "We always hope for more donations," he said.

According to the Canadian Blood Services website, blood and blood products are a critical element of everyday medical care and play a key role during major surgeries and other medical procedures. Red blood cells can be used to help accident victims, surgical patients and people with amenia. Platelets can be used to stop bleeding and treat cancer patients. Plasma is effective in treating patients suffering from shock or burns.

CBS collects approximately 900,000 units of blood annually and various medical needs and procedures require varying amounts of blood. With each donor donating one unit per visit and the breakdown of required units below, the need for donors becomes apparent.

To help someone in a car accident, it can take 50 units of blood. Two units can help someone who needs brain surgery. Five units can help someone going through cancer treatment. It can take eight units per week to help a leukemia patient and five units to save someone who needs cardiovascular surgery.

For more information visit blood.ca.