For months, almost all of the world’s attention to health has been given to the deadly COVID-19 virus, but there are other incredibly important medical needs that we shouldn’t lose sight of.
Today June 14, is World Blood Donor Day – a chance to help save the life of another. And while social distancing is a reality in this pandemic, donating blood during COVID-19 is as easy and safe as it’s ever been.
There is always a need for all of us to help maintain a plentiful blood supply; thousands of Canadians rely on this essential service for their very survival. Equally important are the hard-working people who are responsible for the collection of blood donations.
OPSEU members employed with Canadian Blood Services are working diligently to ensure those who need blood get it. Our members at CBS are working through this pandemic because they know cancer patients, pregnant women, trauma victims, and everybody else who needs blood and plasma are counting on them.
To our front-line blood services members: we applaud you and will continue to work hard for you to ensure you get the protections and recognition you deserve. To all the rest of us, let’s remember that even during these difficult and scary times, it only takes a short part of our day to give the gift of life.
But if donating blood is still not something you feel comfortable with, there are other ways to support Canada’s need for blood. Here is a list of the many ways you can support.
President Warren (Smokey) Thomas
First Vice-President/Treasurer Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida