Emergency Services in Timmins are joining forces this week to save lives. Sirens for Life is a partnership between Canadian Blood Services and the emergency services to encourage everyone to get out and donate blood. Territory Manager for the Canadian Blood Services, Joanne Drake, says this is a necessary campaign.
“Typically in the summer, our collections are soft,” explains Drake. “This campaign really helps us maintain blood inventory levels. Really in summer time, we have been struggling in Timmins for quite some time now. They are two day clinics; we have to collect just over 200 units of blood, and we very rarely achieve that target. So we’re hoping that this campaign will create awareness and get people to come out and donate with their local emergency service workers.”
Drake says they very rarely meet their targets in Timmins, but this is a chance to help out. Drake explains that Sirens for Life is important to first responders, because they see the need for blood donors every day in their line of work.
“They’re closest to the blood; they’re at every one of these crisis,” says Drake. “A car accident victim for example, could use up to 50 units of blood. They are the ones first on site, and they are the ones who see the need.”
The clinic is Wednesday night at St Dominique’s Church on Park Ave. from 4 until 8. There is another clinic running on Thursday afternoon from 12 – 2:30 and in the evening from 4 – 6:30. Book an appointment online at Canadian Blood Services or call 1-888-2-DONATE. Walk in’s are also welcome.
Photo Credit: Supplied by Taylor Ablett.