Donate now: urgent need for blood across Canada continues

Approximately 10,000 donations needed this week

(OTTAWA) – Canadian Blood Services continues to urge eligible Canadians to give blood as the national inventory and days on hand of several blood groups remain at critically low levels. 

Approximately 10,000 donations are still urgently needed by Mar. 10 to continue to meet patients’ needs this spring. 

“We’ve had an increase in donations across Canada since Feb. 20 when we urged 35,000 new and returning donors to give blood,” says Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ chief supply chain officer. 

“We’re pleased collections in many areas have improved, but floods in Ontario and a late snowfall in B.C. hampered our efforts to replenish the national blood supply to levels we need. With less than a week to go in our urgent call for blood donors, we still have thousands of open appointments to donate blood,” he says.

Given its short shelf life, the need for blood is constant. Cancer patients, accident victims and people with blood disorders rely on blood transfusions every day.  

More regular donors are needed to maintain a strong national inventory of blood and blood products.  Less than four per cent of eligible donors give blood each year. 

“Many Canadians have stepped up to help patients by donating blood or asking someone to donate on their behalf and more are needed,” says Prinzen. “Spring is a time for renewal and celebrating life. We hope people remember that developing a habit of including blood donation in your routine is one of the most direct ways you can help someone.” 

Making an appointment to donate has never been easier. To find a nearby donation site visit blood.ca, download the GiveBlood app or call 1-888-2-DONATE (1 888 236-6283). Walk in appointments are also available at all locations.