Find out your blood type at Loyalist College

BELLEVILLE, ONT. (03/02/12) Ryan Rumohr, a third-year civil engineering student, gives blood at the blood clinic put on by the Canadian Blood Services at Loyalist College Friday, Feb. 3. Rumohr, who was a first-time donor, said he would do it again. File photo by Rebecca Rempel.

By Martin Allen

BELLEVILLE –  The Canada Blood Service wants to know what type are you?

Canadian Blood Services will be on campus in the Dining Hall on Wednesday hosting a special event to get new people to give blood. Volunteers will determine your blood type for free.

The process works like this –  someone pricks your finger and takes a few drops of blood. The blood is mixed with something called antisera to determine your blood type. It takes about two minutes.

Blood Services Canada says it’s a way of helping raise awareness and recruit new blood donors, ensuring there is always enough blood for patients who need it.

Debbi Barfoot, Territory Manager for Canadian Blood Services out of Kingston, says new eligibility guidelines may hinder donations this year.

“As a result of new iron eligibility guidelines introduced recently to promote the health and wellness of blood donors, some donors won’t be able to donate as frequently,” she says. “Starting in December the donation interval for women will increase to twelve weeks, and beginning in March men will need a higher hemoglobin level to be eligible to donate.”

Canadian Blood Services expects to lose about 35,000 donations a year from the new guidelines, but hopes new donors will fill in that gap, Barfoot said.

“Many donors will not be able to donate as often, so others must step forward to fill this gap by giving blood and encouraging friends and family to make giving a part of their lives,” said Mark Donnison, vice-president of donor relations at Canadian Blood Services in a press release.

Canadian Blood Services will be in the dining hall between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

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