The COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped Canadian Blood Services (CBS) from collecting blood donations, nor has it stopped long-time donor Caroline Jacobs from continuing to give the gift of life.
Jacobs, a “lifer” who has donated blood since she was 18, was one of a few people who visited CBS’s donor centre on April 7 at the Cosmo Senior Citizens Centre. There were more red-shirted CBS employees around than donors when the Moose Jaw Express visited, but that is because only residents with appointments are allowed to donate blood or plasma during the pandemic.
“I was glad to hear they were still continuing,” Jacobs said after completing her 104th donation. “The need is still there … I was pleased. The message came through that it was safe, so that gave me comfort.”
Jacobs explained that she and her husband began giving blood when they were teenagers and were lucky that no one in their family required a blood transfusion. They both thought they would “pay it forward” for others in need.
She added that she was proud to have donated 104 times during the past 46 years and hoped to continue as long as possible.
Canadain Blood Service has been reassuring the public that it is still safe to give during the pandemic.
“Current evidence and risk modelling suggest that COVID-19 is not transmissible through blood and blood products. This includes plasma protein products, which are pharmaceutical therapies made from plasma — a component of blood,” the CBS website, blood.ca, said. “Nonetheless, Canadian Blood Services has strict measures in place to ensure the continued safety of our products and services related to blood, plasma, stem cells, and organs and tissues, and to address the health of our donors.”
Some of the changes that CBS has made at every collection centre include:
- Spacing chairs in the waiting area and donor area two metres apart
- Wiping down donor information cards after each use if they are laminated or throwing them out altogether
- Using single-use Ziploc bags to hold blood donation bags
- Increasing the frequency of cleaning of all equipment and surfaces
- Pre-screening donors at the door to determine if they are feeling well
- Removing all tables in the refreshment area; suspending the use of water coolers, reusable mugs and glasses; and providing individually packaged drinks and snacks
Fourteen-year volunteer Bob O’Reilly has also had to adjust to the changes CBS has put in place. The biggest measure he had to adjust to is the physical distancing requirement, which makes his role difficult since he can’t interact with donors.
“Our numbers are way down. I know it’s by appointment only. It will be a while (for a recovery),” he said while standing behind a counter. “It will be a struggle, but their staff is really good.”
Since he can’t interact with donors, the most O’Reilly can do is wipe down chairs and countertops. Holding up a container of Lysol wipes, he joked that he’s well-equipped to handle the situation.
Regular donor Dave Richards also knew he could handle the situation and attended the blood clinic to make his 161st donation. He heard that Canadian Blood Services was still operating and knew it was one of the most cautious and careful organizations he had ever seen.
“They take it very seriously,” he remarked.
Richards has donated blood for so many years that it has become a natural habit. He believes it’s something small he can do for others. He knows that reaching 161 donations is due to having had good health and an accommodating employer.
In a video on the CBS website, CEO Dr. Graham Sher thanked all blood donors who recently booked appointments.
“In these challenging times, your commitment and generosity to patients in need cannot be overstated … ,” he said. “The need in the weeks ahead will continue to remain strong.”
