The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of some blood donor clinics in Chatham-Kent because they are unable to meet social distancing rules.
The regional manager of donor relations, Marisa Gatfield, said Canadian Blood Services is following orders from the Public Health Agency of Canada about social distancing and mobile services like the one in the Chatham area will put people too close to each other while donating blood.
Gatfield said the following Chatham-Kent blood donor clinics are cancelled: April 21 and April 25 in Chatham, May 5 in Dresden, and May 12 in Ridgetown.
The Windsor blood donor centre at 3909 Grand Marais Rd. is still open to donate blood. The Windsor donor centre will be open extra days in April and May. Gatfield said blood donations in Windsor will only be accepted by appointment. No walk-ins will be permitted.
She said blood is very much needed for chemotherapy treatment, trauma victims, emergency surgeries, and other vital procedures.
"Right now our inventory levels are good but we need to ensure they are kept that way," Gatfield said.
She said the blood donor centres are safe and clean.
"We have enhanced our robust cleaning and infection control practices, we have active wellness screening at our buildings at our venue entrances. Only donors with pre-scheduled appointments are able to enter the premise," said Gatfied. "We've also expanded the wellness screening to our staff as well as our volunteers."
She said chairs and equipment are always kept two metres apart for social distancing.
Gatfield is thanking donors, staff, and volunteers for their commitment to "Canada's lifeline".
"We are grateful to our donors for their understanding and cooperation during this unprecedented situation," she said.
Gatfield is also giving a shout-out to the many front line heroes in health care, emergency response, and those behind the scenes as we work through this pandemic together.
"What we do matters," she said.
Donors can schedule their appointment to donate blood by calling 1-888-2-DONATE, visiting blood.ca or through the GiveBlood app. All appointments must be scheduled in advance until further notice.