As of this stage in the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply of donated blood has able to meet the demand of Canadian medical needs.

But the need for blood could rise in the coming weeks. 

“What we really need to remember as we continue on this path of uncertainty is this is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Jennifer Dareichuk, associate director of donor relations for Manitoba and Saskatchewan for Canadian Blood Services. “We need donors to continue to remember that the need for blood is going to continue down this time frame. We need them to book appointments in the coming weeks and months from now and keep us top of mind.”

Canadian Blood Services are also careful about their own environment to lessen the chances of unwittingly passing on COVID-19. 

“We have wellness checkpoints at the entranceway of all of or donor centres,” she said. “(We’re) asking a variety of questions to anyone coming in, ensuring that they’re feeling well at that point in time, and going any recent travel history. That’s another measure that we’re taking, enhancing our cleaning procedures and continuing to encourage physical distancing within our environment.”

Dareichuk said if you want to donate, you can go to blood.ca, download the app, or call 1-888-2-donate to book an appointment. There are no blood clinics in Moose Jaw scheduled for a couple of months, but people can still donate in Regina or Saskatooon if they wish.