RDP Community Raises Awareness About Impact of Blood Donations
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) faculty, staff and students continue to address the needs of communities in unique ways.
Recognizing the demand for blood, plasma and stem cells, RDP’s Employee Wellness Group is collaborating with Canadian Blood Services in Red Deer to host an on-campus radiothon on February 11. This event will share information about blood and stem cell donation. RDP faculty, staff and students are encouraged to donate blood and to consider joining Canada’s Stem Cell Registry.
“Today’s event showcases how the Polytechnic community’s partnership with Canadian Blood Services makes meaningful impact in communities,” says Megan Andruik, Safety Coordinator and member of the Polytechnic’s Employee Wellness Group. “RDP’s Employee Wellness Group has launched a 60 for 60 Campaign that encourages 60 blood donations throughout the Winter term from the Polytechnic community in celebration of 60 years of faculty, staff and students creating positive impact in our community and beyond.”
Depending on the blood type, the national supply of blood products ranges from a few days to weeks, with the O- blood type having the most demand.
It is even more challenging to find prospective stem cell donors who have a one-to-one genetic match with patients. As a result, Canadian Blood Services wants to expand its donor base to include more ethnically diverse individuals. Patients need a stem cell transplant when their bone marrow has failed due to illness, which includes individuals undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Members of RDP’s Employee Wellness Group contribute to the development and implementation of on-campus health and wellbeing programs and activities. Some of the activities and sessions have included a medicine walk and land-based learning, crafting and personal budgeting basics. The Employee Wellness Group has also helped to create opportunities for RDP faculty and staff to engage in on-campus Black History Month initiatives (happening throughout February).
Red Deer Polytechnic’s Student-Athletes Advisory Council is also encouraging the Kings, Queens, coaches, athletics staff and community members to donate blood throughout February as part of their Bleed Green Challenge. The Student-Athletes Advisory Council, which represents more than 190 student-athletes competing in 10 sports on 19 teams, creates a vehicle for student-athlete representation and organizes community service initiatives.
“We are very excited to continue working with Red Deer Polytechnic, encouraging staff, current students, and alumni to be a part of Canada’s Lifeline. Every minute of every day someone in Red Deer and the surrounding area will need blood or blood products,” says Shamus Neeson, Community Development Manager – Red Deer and Central Alberta, with Canadian Blood Services. “I am genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to an organization such as Red Deer Polytechnic that has such a strong and impactful presence in our local community to save lives and ensure patients receive the blood they need.”
Red Deer Polytechnic faculty, staff, students and community members interested in donating blood and contributing to the RDP Employee Wellness Group’s goal of 60 blood donations during the Winter term can create an account at: blood.ca/MyAccount. Then individuals can select “Partners” from the menu and enter “Red Deer Polytechnic - Faculty and Staff” when prompted to join an existing team.