Blood donor stamp encourages Canadians to give

By Your Southwest Media Group

A new stamp aimed at promoting blood donations reached post office counters on Thursday.

Those who donate blood represent “only about two per cent” of people eligible to donate, even though Canadians need transfusions every day because of surgery, injury or to treat cancer and other conditions, a Canada Post statement said.

The stamp was issued in conjunction with World Blood Donor Day and National Blood Donor Week. It features a stylized heart containing a drop of blood and is intended to raise awareness and encourage both new and returning donors, the statement said.

A person undergoing heart surgery can require five donations, while someone injured in a vehicle collision may need up to 50 donations, it explained.

“A typical donation can usually be collected in less than 15 minutes, with every drop creating a ripple effect, not only for patients but also for donors who leave knowing they've made a positive impact,” the statement said. “That's because one donation, separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets, can save up to three lives.”

People can visit the Canadian Blood Services website to learn more about donating blood and to find donation locations.