Canadian Blood Services is putting a call out for donors for clinics ahead of the August long weekend, a day after changing to masks being optional in donor clinics.
In a release, Canadian Blood Services says there are 500 appointments to be filled between July 29 and Aug. 6.
“In June we reported that during the pandemic the number of regular donors had decreased by 31,000, resulting in the smallest donor base in a decade,” Canadian Blood Services said in a news release.
“When we asked the public for their support, they responded and made a difference. June 2022 was the third highest month for welcoming new donors since the start of the pandemic.”
This call for donors comes one day after the company announced masks will now be optional in blood donation clinics.
Effective July 25, we are suspending mandatory masks and physical distancing in our buildings, vehicles and collections events.
Although not required, masks help curb the spread of COVID-19 and are welcome in our environments and available to anyone who chooses to wear them. pic.twitter.com/OKCMTr8hgY
— Canadian Blood Services (@CanadasLifeline) July 25, 2022
“We’ve determined it’s the right time to suspend some of our mandatory measures, such as masks and physical distancing,” Canadian Blood Services says on the COVID information section of its website.
“Although no longer required, masks are known to help curb the spread of COVID- 19 and are welcome in our environments and available to anyone who chooses to wear them. Everyone has their reasons for wearing or not wearing a mask. Please be respectful of their choice.”
The announcement online was met with mixed reactions. Many were upset with the change in policy.
I had intended to become a regular donor, doing this multiple times a year. I will not be returning in the dead of winter, with two ongoing public health emergencies, and zero mask mandates.
This is healthcare. And you’ve just made it inaccessible.
— Laesa Faith Kim (@laesafaith) July 25, 2022
Wow this is so disappointing. My husband is a universal donor but there is no way he can give blood if you are no longer requiring masks.
— Kate Dupuis (@DrKateTO) July 25, 2022
Oof. Disappointing to hear that your position is “come to give blood, stay for the free COVID exposure.”
I hope you’ll reconsider this position for the safety of donors and staff. Unfortunately, this new policy makes me have to weigh elective COVID exposure against donating.
— Eric Kennedy (@ericbkennedy) July 25, 2022
Like thousands of people, I donate blood because I was a caretaker to someone w cancer, and I deeply understand the need. It seems cruel to ask *caretakers to people with cancer* to choose between potentially bringing home covid or not donating
— Sarah (@sarahradz_) July 25, 2022
This is more than disappointing.
Let me know when you decide to care about your donors again and I’ll donate again. I will not put my health at risk at the whim of whoever else happens to be there— Dr. Atul Kapur (@Kapur_AK) July 25, 2022
I am a regular donor and was about to book my 97th donation. Now I am not sure. I am not eager to hang out in a relatively small room with unmasked folks. Can you afford to turn away people like me?
— Jan Hansen (@JanGHansen) July 25, 2022
This is very disappointing. I was just planning to book my 71st donation. Sadly, I will put that off for the foreseeable future. @LifelineCalgary
— Daorcey Le Bray (@Daorcey) July 25, 2022
Others welcomed the change.
“Finally I know many people that will go back to donating because of this change,” said Vanessa Kehler on Facebook.
“I for one, will not be altering my upcoming appointment because of this change,” said Nicolas Roome on Facebook.
“Masks as a requirement were never going to be here forever especially given how ‘minor’ Covid is now and has been for a good while. Sure cases are on the rise.. its basically the flu now for the vast majority of people who will get it. Doesn’t make sense to continue mandate something like this IMO.”
“Bout time,” said Darren Zbitnew on Facebook. “My mask exemption has prohibited me from donating for the past 2yrs.”
Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/IJeidFxpdN
— Jennifer Macko (@jennifer_macko) July 26, 2022
Laura Brougham
