Windsor’s plasma donation clinic, managed by Canadian Blood Services (CBS), is expanding its services to include blood donations, marking a significant development more than two years after the closure of the region’s blood donation facility. Greg Friest, the business development manager for CBS in the Windsor-Essex region, announced that several whole blood donation beds will be operational by early winter.
Friest emphasized the convenience of having blood donation available at the clinic, stating that it eliminates the need for specialized mobile events previously held in the community. He specifically encouraged donors with rare blood types such as B negative and O negative to schedule appointments at the donor center for blood donation.
The blood donation clinic in Windsor was shut down in the summer of 2023, and the plasma clinic at the Roundhouse Centre commenced operations in January 2024. Despite initial concerns over the closure of the blood donation facility, the response to the plasma clinic has been overwhelmingly positive, attracting over 2,200 donors in its inaugural year.
Canadian Blood Services anticipates a 10% increase in blood demand and a 50% surge in plasma demand over the next five years due to population growth and aging demographics. The rapid regeneration of plasma within 48 hours allows individuals to donate as frequently as once a week, while the waiting period for whole blood donation is 56 days for men and 84 days for women.
With a target of recruiting a million new donors nationwide to meet rising demand, CBS is aiming to expand its donor base. Potential donors are encouraged to visit the Windsor clinic, which offers ample free parking, and ongoing construction near the Roundhouse Centre is scheduled for completion soon.
Friest highlighted the positive impact of donating, emphasizing the rewarding experience and the sense of fulfillment donors can expect.