Latest news with #BrettLawrence
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
‘Deep sense of meaning': Manitobans urged to donate blood amid rising need
Brett Lawrence urges Canadians to donate blood and plasma—and explains how giving can change lives, including your own. Winnipeggers are being called on to roll up their sleeves to mark National Blood Donor Week—an occasion dedicated to raising awareness about the need for blood and plasma donations, while recognizing those who save lives with their contributions. The annual observance, which runs until June 14, comes amidst Canadian Blood Services' most ambitious recruitment goal to date. The organization hopes to register one million new donors in the next five years in a push to meet the health-care system's intensifying need for blood, plasma, stem cell and organ donors. 'That's only going to happen by everyday people coming down to donate blood,' said Brett Lawrence, community development manager with Canadian Blood Services. Currently, there are about 400,000 Canadians registered to donate—about two per cent of Canada's eligible population. Lawrence said there's been a rising demand for blood and plasma products both internationally and within Canada, and the supply of donors isn't rising to meet that need. 'It's really something we haven't seen in a long time,' Lawrence said. Red blood cells, platelets and plasma can all be used from blood donations, he added, and they can all go to patients in need. Blood donation appointments generally take less than an hour. For those wary of needles, only about 10 to 15 minutes of that is spent actively donating. Aside from your pick of snacks afterwards, donors get something else in return for their contributions, be it O negative or A positive. 'You get a really deep sense of meaning and purpose that you are helping someone else.' Folks can sign up to donate on Canadian Blood Services' website. - With files from CTV's Rachel Lagacé
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
One million donors: Canadian Blood Services' call to action
Winnipeg Watch Brett Lawrence urges Canadians to donate blood and plasma—and explains how giving can change lives, including your own.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
National Blood Donor Week
Maralee chats with Brett Lawrence with Canadian Blood Services about National Blood Donor Week and the importance of donating blood.
