The Canadian Blood Services Plasma Donor Centre in Windsor has successfully launched a new service, and the community's response has been overwhelming. The clinic, located at 3015 Howard Ave, began accepting whole blood donations on November 24, and its schedule is already fully booked until next week.
Strong Community Support Meets Growing National Demand
This immediate and robust turnout reinforces the region's reputation for strong donor support. Greg Friest, the Community Development Manager for Canadian Blood Services in Windsor-Essex, highlighted the centre's existing success. "Our plasma collections since opening in 2024 have been near the top of the country," Friest stated, crediting the local donor base.
The expansion to collect whole blood is a strategic move to address a critical and growing need. Friest explains that demand for blood products is "significantly increasing." National projections from Canadian Blood Services are stark: they anticipate a 10 per cent rise in demand for blood and a 50 per cent increase for plasma over the next five years, driven by an aging and growing population.
Understanding the Difference: Plasma vs. Whole Blood
For patients, the two donation types serve different life-saving purposes. Plasma, the liquid portion of blood, is used to create essential medications for individuals with autoimmune and neurological disorders. Whole blood is typically used in emergencies, such as trauma or major surgery, where significant blood loss occurs and multiple blood components are needed at once.
For donors, the main difference is the time commitment. A whole blood donation takes about 30 minutes, while donating plasma takes approximately 75 minutes. The plasma process involves drawing blood, separating the plasma, and returning the red and white blood cells to the donor's body.
Eligibility to donate also varies:
- Plasma can be donated as often as every week, as it regenerates quickly.
- Whole blood requires a longer wait: 56 days for men and 84 days for women between donations.
A Call for New Donors to Build a Sustainable Supply
To meet future demand, Canadian Blood Services has set an ambitious national goal of recruiting one million new donors across Canada within the next five years. The Windsor clinic's current capacity reflects this push, operating six days a week (Monday to Saturday) with nine plasma and two whole blood appointment slots available per hour.
Friest encourages first-time donors in Windsor-Essex to take the step and book an appointment. "You’ll walk out of there feeling very good," he assures. Residents can learn more and schedule a donation by visiting the Canadian Blood Services website or calling 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
The centre's official opening was celebrated earlier this year on February 28, 2024, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Windsor City Councillor Kieran McKenzie and other dignitaries. Its rapid expansion to include whole blood collection just months later underscores the urgent and ongoing need for donor participation.
