A community-led initiative is calling on Canadian Blood Services to establish a blood plasma centre in northern B.C.
Our Blood Counts is addressing the urgent need for blood products, as the North is the only region in the province that does not have a blood donor centre. The group is also calling for more support from northern communities and residents to help grow its cause, as it looks to bring a permanent centre to Prince George.
Founder Mark Karjaluoto said the need for blood does not take a break during the holiday season, as emergencies, cancer care, and surgeries continue.
"Blood and blood products make a difference in people's lives every day," he said. "Canadian Blood Services was asking for blood and plasma donors to help out over the holidays, and we in the North wanted to help."
Karjaluoto is urging those who travel from the North to stop by a Canadian Blood Services donor centre to not only give the "gift of life," but also to talk to the staff and let them know how important blood services are to northern communities.
The initiative has already drawn the support of more than 2,500 residents, two MLAs, 11 local governments, and the North Central Local Government Association. Karjaluoto is hoping to grow the initiative even more next year.
"We're working hard to tell Canadian Blood Services about the need to bring blood donation back to the North," he said. "In 2026, we promise to do even more to make that message clear."