Winnipeg Police Information Release
Emergency services workers often see the need for blood firsthand—just one patient with internal bleeding may need up to eight blood donors to help save their life.
The Winnipeg Police Service will be adopting the Winnipeg Donor Centre from July 20 – 25 to ensure patients receive the blood they need through the Sirens for Life summer blood donor drive.
Across Canada, an average of only 4% of Canadians donate blood, and in Winnipeg, that number is even lower, at 2.6%. With the help of community members, emergency services workers hope to top up Canada’s blood supply.
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and STARS Air Ambulance are also adopting the Winnipeg Donor Center during the Sirens for Life campaign, which runs for the month of July 2020.
To limit the potential spread of COVID-19, currently, only those with appointments will be allowed to enter the donor centres. Donors are now being screened for potential exposure to COVID-19 before entering, along with a new set of screening questions, and temperature reading prior to donation. Once donors pass this additional screening, a mask will be supplied and must be worn through the remainder of the donation process.
Anyone wishing to participate in the Blood Challenge is requested to contact Canadian Blood Services at (1-888-2-DONATE) 1-838-236-6283 or at https://www.blood.ca to book your appointment.
When you donate at the donor centre, please indicate that you are participating in the 2020 Sirens for Life Blood Challenge to be counted.
Every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood. Let’s do our part in ensuring an adequate supply of blood is available to all citizens by donating today.