Editor:
In response to your correspondent Mr. Tim Lynden, who recently asked the very good question: “Why is there nowhere donate blood on the Coast?” I’d like to add my views.
I have donated blood for about 52 years. For the first 39 years donation was fairly easy and convenient, even while living in Northern B.C.
Since moving to the Coast, donation requires travel to Vancouver with the consequent commitment of time and money. My bimonthly donations, even with my commuter card deduction and my senior weekday fee waiver, cost about $240 a year.
So I have suggested to BC Ferries (and the Canadian Blood Service) that more Coast potential donors might participate if:
1. Donors were given assured loading or reservations for the Langdale side of the trip (I suggest the donor clinics give the passes to donors for their next trip) and;
2. Donor clinics be authorized to issue TAP passes; these are routinely issued by Lower Mainland physicians and medical facilities.
Surely blood donors should qualify?
There would still be nowhere to donate on the Coast, but these steps might offer a reasonable compromise.
Doug Baker
Hopkins Landing
