A blood donor clinic was scheduled for the town of Kindersley on August 31st, but recently had to be cancelled by the Canadian Blood Services.

While this may be a surprise to those in Kindersley, the Canadian Blood Services have been making many changes to their collection schedules as the province navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic. Tracy Smith, the Director for donor Relations in the Prairies, said that she understands if any would-be donors feel disappointed about the cancellation.

Smith also explained that cancellations have become much more common in the last few months.

"Unfortunately, in Saskatchewan over the last 5 or 6 months, we've had to really adjust a lot of our collection schedules, and where we've been going, so we've seen a lot of cancellations over the last little while. We're hoping that we'll be able to get into a more normal and predictable schedule as we move forward."

While one would expect these changes to result in a shortage of blood and plasma, Smith shared that that isn't the case at all.

"Canadians, and those in Saskatchewan have stepped up. We have a very good inventory right now, which is a very good place to be during this time, and donors have been booking appointments, we're only taking appointment donors right now, and helping us meet the needs of patients across Canada."

Smith added that there is always a need for blood in canada, and encourages donors to make regular appointments.

When it is possible to hold a clinic, the Canadian Blood Service has taken many safety procedures to keep people safe from COVID-19. Volunteers at the clinics ask donors a series of questions about their recent health and any exposure they may have had. Depending on the answers they give, and the results of other tests, if a donor is showing any symptoms of COVID-19, they will not be allowed into the clinic. Masks are required for staff and donors alike, and if a donor does not have a mask with them, one is provided. General cleaning is also heavily increased to make sure all surfaces are safe. Physical distancing is also required. Smith said that most people have been accepting of the new guidelines.

The Blood Donor Clinic in Kindersley may have been cancelled for the month of August, but it has been rescheduled for March 1st, 2021. Donors can also go to Blood.ca to check for the nearest clinic, and make an appointment.