VIDEO: Kelowna says goodbye to blood donation, hello to plasma

Things are about to change for blood donors in Kelowna. The Dilworth clinic is closing and a new one will be opening at Orchard Park Mall, but the real change is what will be happening inside the clinic.

Kelowna has been designated as one of three locations in the country to focus entirely on the collection of plasma instead of whole blood.

There is a growing demand for plasma in Canada. It makes up 55% of our blood and is used for a wide range of medical treatments.

Kelowna donors will have the opportunity to help make up for a shortfall in this country.

"The donation experience is really similar," said Janna Pantella outside the mall location which is being renovated to open later this spring.

She explained how the process for plasma donations means blood is drawn from a donor and then returned.

"We're separating your plasma from your red blood cells and white blood cells and platelets right then and there," she said, "and giving those elements back to you."

It's all done with a single needle.

"A lot of donors say 'I don't even know when it's coming back'," said Pantella.

The procedure means a donor spends about 20 minutes longer on the bed, so people are asked to set aside 90 minutes for their appointment.

The Kelowna clinic will be one of just three of its kind in the country and the only one in BC.

"Kelowna was chosen because we have a fantastic donor demographic here," she said. "We have committed and dedicated donors who have historically supported whole blood and hope is they'll come and support plasma."

Reaction from the city's 3,000 active donors has been positive so far, and opening day is already fully booked.

"I think overall our donors are eager to try and see what the experience is like and they know that there is an important need in Canada and they're filling that need," added Pantella.

One benefit to the plasma donation procedure is that the donor recovers quickly and that means people can donate more often.

Canadian Blood Services has plans to improve the donor experience with more exciting refreshments and there are even plans for entertainment once pandemic concerns subside.

"Trivia night, poker tournaments we're going to have," suggested Pantella. "Maybe someday musicians in there or artists and really support the local community because the community is supporting us."

To book an appointment to give people are encouraged to download the GiveBlood app at blood.ca.

The new Orchard Park Mall Donor Clinic opens July 6.