Blood donation clinics in Nanaimo are fully booked for later in March. (submitted/Canadian Blood Services)

By Spencer Sterritt

in you to give

Nanaimo blood donation clinics fill up as residents take message to heart

Mar 25, 2020 | 7:13 AM

NANAIMO — The message “It’s in you to give” is being heard loud and clear by people living in the Nanaimo area.

All three blood donation clinics scheduled for March 31, April 1 and 2 in Nanaimo are nearly or completely booked, which rarely happens.

Marcelo Dominguez with Canadian Blood Services told NanaimoNewsNOW he was thrilled to learn the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t preventing people from donating blood.

“What we’re hoping for is people recognize this issue may be with us for some time, that blood has a shelf life and we are really counting on people to keep in mind that patients are going to need their help this week, this month and in the long-term.”

There’s a long history of Nanaimo residents taking the time to give blood. Canadian Blood Services stats show Nanaimo clinics are the most frequently visited on Vancouver Island and are some of the most popular across B.C.

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A three day stretch of clinics held at the Beban Park Social Centre can bring in upwards of 150 litres of blood.

One blood donation can save three lives.

Despite calls for social distancing and staying indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dominguez said donating blood is a valid reason to leave the house.

“Leaving home for a short period of time to make a blood donation is absolutely a positive thing to do. It will keep the essential supply of blood products for patients.”

He assured clinics are thoroughly cleaned, efforts to socially distance are in place and anyone who’s feeling less than perfect will be deferred for another donate day.

Anyone interested in donating at the April clinic in Nanaimo or any clinic can sign up online.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit