Lethbridge Plasma Donor Center Approaches One Year Anniversary – Lethbridge | The Canadian News

The Canadian Blood Services plasma donor center in Lethbridge, Alta., Has received a great deal of support over the past few months, but still has appointments to fill, according to the organization.

“When we first opened in December, we saw about 25 donors a day, about two donors an hour,” said business development manager Brenna Scott.

“Now, we are up to nine donors per hour and we can bring in around 114 donors a day.

“(During) the last nine months, we’ve actually had about 2,600 donors come in through this center.”

A protein-rich fluid in the blood, plasma helps other blood components circulate throughout the body. Plasma donations can help treat many types of cancer, bleeding disorders, and liver diseases.

Donating plasma is very similar to donating blood.

“The big difference is our collection method,” he explained. “We have a centrifuge that draws your blood, spins it very, very quickly, which then draws (plasma) from your blood. We just collect the plasma and then the rest of your blood, so that those red blood cells and platelets are returned to you. “

Scott said that prior to the opening of its three plasma centers in Canada, in Sudbury, Ontario, Lethbridge and Kelowna, BC, only about 13 percent of the plasma came from Canada, with the rest being outsourced to other countries such as the United States. .

“In recent years, we have seen a large increase in demand for plasma and plasma protein products, which produce a certain amount of drugs,” Scott said, adding that two more centers will open in Ontario in the spring. .

“We really want to be more self-sufficient here in Canada for those protein products.”

Neil Langevin, a local plasma donor, tries to donate each month as a way to honor his godson Logan Boulet.

“While I cannot necessarily be an organ donor at this time, this is the best or next closest way to help my community.”

On social media, Langevin and his friends Toby Boulet and Greg Thompson have turned the donation into a friendly competition.

“We had a lot of fun with it, obviously,” he said. “We have a bit of competition and we have managed to take on some people from all over the country.”

For those who are hesitant to donate due to lack of time, Langevin suggests using the appointment as a way to relax.

“People are very busy, and I would just encourage people to (use this) as a wellness break,” he said.

“They are very professional there and they do a great job to make you feel comfortable and one of the best things is the sandwiches.”

As of Tuesday, Scott said that about 300 appointments were still vacant for the rest of the week, with about 1,200 appointments available for the month of November.

“In October, we had a friendly challenge between many different local gyms in the city, to help us reach our goal of bringing in around 150 plasma donations,” Scott said.

“In November, we started a car dealership challenge.”

Eligibility requirements for donating plasma can be found in the Canadian Blood Services website.