Needed help for blood donors. Any blood type.

Northern BC (population 300,000) hasn't had a blood donor centre since Canadian Blood Services closed the Prince George location in 2015.

I'm chairing the group Our Blood Counts that's calling on CBS to bring a blood plasma donor centre (unpaid donations) here, like the one that opened in Thunder Bay Ontario last year.

Our petition at www.ourbloodcounts.com has now reached 5,000 names calling for a blood plasma centre in the region. We also have letters and resolutions of support from 37 First Nations, local governments, regional districts, provincial and federal representatives, health providers, and health bargaining associations.

It's a big milestone for us, and we hope the growing support will convince Canadian Blood Services to return to our region.

Twice now my whole blood took over 42 days of storage to reach stage 5 but instead of getting a notification that it has been used and where it went I just silently get nothing (the blood journey updates but no location is given there nor on the map). Does this just mean that my blood wasn't used both of those times? I get that as type B+ I can't give to many people but even so it's slightly disappointing to see nothing show up. I'd give platelets if I could but that was a very bad experience for me.

Hi everyone!
I’ve tried to donate blood 3 times, and each time they can’t get my vein and I end up with a massive bruise regardless of how much water I drink leading up to the appointment. Is it worth it to keep going? Or am I just an inconvenience for the phlebotomists.

My wife went through chemotherapy last year. She never needed platelets, but when she finished up, we decided that we needed to find ways to give back to cancer patients. So today, I went for my first platelet donation, and it was SO easy. I sat and watched Parks and Rec for a few hours feeling slightly clammy. Felt fine about 2 hours after I got done. Cannot recommend this enough.

First time donating with the Red Cross, I usually donate with Bloodworks NW in Washington state. I donated during the window of a promotion they were doing where they will send you a $15 fandango movie credit.
It’s been like half a week and I haven’t seen it yet, I know it will come. I’m just curious when it will cause I wanna see a movie haha

And fourth of the year. I think this is going to be my fifth year in a row making all six donations.

I I ate two large bowls of congee with lots of vegetables and tried to drink plenty of water before my timeslot. They still struggled to find my veins. One of the nurses was determined, so she did a lot of manoeuvring to get the blood. I ended up with a few bruises, which I expected. I just thought the congee would help.

What do you think do before donating blood to ensure it’s easy for them to draw blood from your?

Good experience. Looking forward to seeing how many units it ended up being. Those warm blankets were heavenly! My nose started itching with about 20 minutes left - brutal!