The Canadian Blood Services recently announced a need for donors as it was facing a decrease in collections.  

However, folks in the Swift Current area are looking at a commute of around 163 kilometres to the nearest collection centre in Kindersly. 

The organization said it regularly examines how it manages Canada’s national blood system to find ways to align supply with demand and after careful review and consideration, the final date for blood collection in Swift Current was Feb. 23, 2021. 

“We are deeply grateful to donors and volunteers in Swift Current for their commitment over the years and for their ongoing interest in contributing to Canada’s Lifeline,” they said in an email statement to Swift Current Online. “It is difficult for us knowing there are people in Swift Current who may want to donate blood but because of distance to the nearest collection centre are unable to do so.” 

Factors that ultimately decide where donation events are held include the number of units collected, labour and transportation costs, the distance and access to the nearest production site and the need to operate an efficient blood system. 

The Canadian Blood Services said they need to focus on collecting blood in more populated communities, as holding a donation event in a more remote location could impact the ability to ship the blood quickly to manufacturing sites.  

A tip they shared for folks that are interested in donating, is to incorporate an appointment into any existing travels.  

“When potential blood donors from your area are planning to travel, they can check the donor event locator on our website (blood.ca) to help them find a donor centre and consider fitting blood donation into their travel plans.” 

Despite the lack of collection events scheduled in Swift Current, there are no impacts to how hospitals in the area will receive blood and blood products.  

The national blood system ensures patients in the community will continue to receive the blood products they need at their local hospital when they need them.