Increased Need For Blood Donors In Wake Of Poor Weather

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After the latest round of winter weather, Canadian Blood Services says they have seen a decline in the number of donors able to attend clinics and donate blood in the South-Central region of Ontario.

As a result of the impact on blood collection, they are asking people who have appointments to honour those appointments if at all possible, and that those who are able to walk in to their local clinic, come in and help replenish our blood supply.

Current donors who can’t attend a clinic are asked to please re-book their appointments. Canadians who have never donated are also being asked to come forward and Give Life for the first time now, in support of building strong blood inventory for the country.

“In addition to the ongoing need for blood, poor weather can present extra challenges for Canada’s blood system,” says Michael Betel, director of donor relations for South-Central Ontario, Canadian Blood Services. “Hospitals require blood for the treatment of patients, regardless of the weather. That’s why it’s important that Canadians unite; patients are counting on them to fill open appointments now and throughout the rest of winter.”

Donors are encouraged to book and keep their appointments if they can safely access a clinic. As a national system, Canadian Blood Services can draw on reserves across the country, so that patients who need blood continue to receive it. Extreme weather makes this vital across the country and requires communities to support their local blood clinic after a winter storm.

Blood donated today, can be used to help a patient within 42 days, making regular donation a great way to support your local community. To be eligible to donate you must be at least 17 years of age, in general good health and feeling well on the day of your donation. Individuals are encouraged to bring a friend or family member to donate with them and to please remember to make another appointment to donate.

To discover all the ways you can help save a life and to book an appointment, download the GiveBlood app or visit blood.ca.