Blood donation is a fairly simple yet crucial way to save someone’s life. It is donors who provide hospitals with the necessary blood supply. In Calgary, the main donation centre is Canadian Blood Services. In this article on icalgary, we will talk about this organization, its role, and its activities in Calgary.
About Canadian Blood Services
In 2024, a new Canadian Blood Services centre opened in Calgary at 207 Ninth Ave. SW. Every year, the Calgary centre collects 48,000 units of whole blood, 2,000 units of platelets, and over 11,000 units of plasma.
Canadian Blood Services is a non-profit charitable organization. The service is primarily funded by provincial and territorial governments. The organization operates on the basis of voluntary donation. This means that donors do not receive financial compensation.
The service also provides blood transfusion and stem cell registry services. Additionally, Canadian Blood Services is involved in organ transplantation, facilitates inter-provincial organ sharing, and works to improve efficiency in this field.
How Canadian Blood Services Encourages Donors in Calgary
Canadian Blood Services regularly runs various engaging campaigns to attract new donors. For example, the service holds a regular drive for Calgary and Edmonton first responders. During the month-long campaign, Alberta’s emergency services personnel compete to see who can recruit the most donors.
In 2025, the service held the “Calgary Corporate Challenge 2025: Canadian Blood Services Charity Challenge” in the city. This is a competition for employees of companies who donate blood and also compete against each other. Such events not only boost donor activity but also enhance the reputation of businesses that choose a socially responsible path.
How to Donate Blood
Canadian Blood Services advises that some people are ineligible to donate blood. For example, you cannot be a donor if you use intravenous drugs, have come from a country where HIV is prevalent, or engage in activities that carry a high risk of HIV infection.
Before donating blood, everyone undergoes a screening, during which medical staff ensure the donor is healthy and does not have a fever or various infections. Donors are also asked about medications they are taking, their vaccination history, and lifestyle. After donation, the blood is further tested for various infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis. All measures are taken to protect blood recipients.
The day before and the day of the procedure, you should drink plenty of water. This will ease the donation process and subsequent recovery. You can eat a light breakfast before donation, but avoid fatty and fried foods. Before and after the procedure, you should consume more iron-rich foods: red meat, legumes, spinach, eggs, and nuts. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
After donating blood, you should rest: sit for a few minutes in the rest area, have some juice or tea, and eat a snack. Then, for the rest of the day, you should avoid heavy physical exertion. Continue to drink plenty of water and monitor how you feel.
Canadian Blood Services provides services in four areas: blood, plasma, stem cells, and organs and tissues. Blood products are distributed to hospitals that partner with the service.
Blood donation is not just a noble act; it is a real contribution to the lives of others. Thanks to the work of Canadian Blood Services, you can easily get involved in this important cause.
Donors save the lives of patients who are recovering from surgery, accidents, or during treatment for serious illnesses. Just one blood donation can save up to three lives. Join the cause and save lives with Canadian Blood Services!