In the aftermath of the Humboldt Broncos’ tragic bus collision, Canadian Blood Services is calling again for a renewed interest in donating blood in order to fill “critically low” national inventory levels.
Tom Geiger, board member of Kindersley & District Health and Wellness Foundation, says that last weekend’s events are another reminder that we never know when the need for donations will affect the ones we love. “So really, there is no excuse to not donate, at any time it could be your loved one, your neighbor or your own self that could be saved by the donation.”
According to the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Kindersley Community Advisory network media release, less than four per cent of eligible donors give blood each year. This becomes a problem when the need is so great. “Given its short shelf life, the need for blood is constant. Cancer patients, accident victims and people with blood disorders rely on blood transfusions every day. More regular donors are needed to maintain a strong national inventory of blood and blood products.”
Canada Blood Services has been working to make donating easier than ever before. Now, a person can easily download the GiveBlood app or call 1-888-2-DONATE (1 888 236-6283) or visit their website blood.ca, in order to find the nearest walk-in clinic or to book an appointment for their donation. An upcoming clinic date in this area is April 23rd at the Rosetown Civic Centre.
While we feel powerless to help the hurting families, friends and fans of the Humboldt Broncos, there is something we can do to stop another tragedy from taking place. The Saskatchewan Health Authority is also urging residents around the province to become aware of the signs and symptoms of Fentanyl overdose. Fentanyl is an opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin, oxycodone or morphine. It is a prescribed painkiller that is often added to illegal drugs without people knowing.
Over the weekend of March 10-11, several Fentanyl overdoses in the City of Saskatoon left families devastated, and spurred authorities to release the following information:
“An opioid overdose may include slow or no breathing; gurgling, gasping or snoring; clammy, cool skin; and blue lips or nails. If you suspect someone has overdosed on fentanyl or any drug, call 9-1-1. Take-home kits for individuals at risk, along with dedicated time for education on overdose prevention, are available by calling Addiction Services, Kindersley and District Health Centre, Kindersley (306-463-1000 extensions 2560 or 2562).”
If someone you know may be at-risk, you can receive education on overdose prevention, recognizing and responding to an overdose, and proper administration of Naloxone using the THN kit. The THN kit is then provided to you. Naloxone is an antidote to opioids such as fentanyl, morphine, heroin, methadone or oxycodone. It is currently in use in Saskatchewan as an opioid overdose treatment practice in emergency departments and by paramedics in emergency situations. When administered properly, naloxone can restore breathing to an individual experiencing an overdose.
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