Canadian Blood Services urgently needs blood, plasma donors

Canadian Blood Services is facing a severe shortfall of blood supply and is urging people to donate after a spike in appointment cancellations due to recent winter storms.

Between appointment cancellations and disruptions to planned collection clinics, about 1,500 blood and plasma donations did not happen, amounting to around 10 per cent of what was expected.

In an announcement, the organization says continuing threats of winter storms and illness may further impact collections as the national inventory of several blood types remain short on supply.

The national blood inventory has declined by over 35 per cent since the beginning of October, says Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations.

The national inventory of several blood types is far below optimal, and O-negative blood donors are especially needed. If you are type O-negative and eligible to donate, please book an appointment in the coming days. Book your lifesaving appointment at https://t.co/WKNY4RvdwI pic.twitter.com/VuAutPvuPX

— Canadian Blood Services (@CanadasLifeline) December 22, 2022

There is a critical need for platelets for patients undergoing cancer treatments and universal o-negative blood donors are especially needed for newborns and emergencies.

“We urge donors from all communities across Canada, who can safely get to a Canadian Blood Services donation centre, to book an appointment as soon as possible to help restore and grow the blood and plasma supply for patients,” says Prinzen.

Canadian Blood Services is open normal hours during this week, and into the new year.

READ MORE: Canadians are still impacted by power outages after winter storms