Canadian Blood Services is seeking donors new and old to help replenish the supply of blood and platelet that has reached low levels amid the latest Omicron wave of the pandemic.
“Like other organizations across Canada, the latest COVID-19 wave is challenging Canadian Blood Services like never before,” said Dr. Graham Sher, CEO of Canadian Blood Services.
Sher said several factors have contributed to a recent drop in donations.
"As Omicron continues to spread across the country, it is also impacting our operations. Our employees and donors are among those falling ill or being required to isolate. For these reasons, and also because of severe weather in parts of the country, we’ve seen a concerning drop in donations recently," he said. "By booking appointments over the next several weeks, donors can help us reverse this worrying trend before the situation becomes urgent.”
On top of a decline in donors throughout the pandemic, the latest wave has meant a number of regular donors have fallen ill or had to isolate and couldn't make it to their appointments.
"Today, new donors are more important than ever. One in two people in Canada are eligible to donate blood, plasma, and platelets, but only one in 81 does. The problem is that we’re relying on a very small group of people to meet the needs of the country," Sher said.
Canadian Blood Services is hoping to fill all available appointments in Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
In Newmarket, there are blood donor clinics coming up at the Optimist Youth Centre at 55 Forhan Ave. on Feb. 7, the Seniors' Meeting Place at 474 Davis Dr. on March 18, and at the York Region Administrative Centre at 17250 Yonge St. on April 30.
You can also book appointments as early as today at the Canadian Blood Services location in Hillcrest Mall at 9350 Yonge St. in Richmond Hill.
"Whether you choose to donate blood or plasma this week, next week or next month, all donors are an important part of Canada’s Lifeline. We also need donors to continue to be patient, and adapt with us, through this period of change and uncertainty. Lives depend on it,” Sher said.
For whole blood donation, males can donate every 56 days while woman can donate blood every 84 days. For plasma donation, the red blood cells are returned to the donor and only the plasma is taken so you are able to donate more often. Men can give plasma every week and women can give every two weeks. Platelet donations can be made every two weeks.
You can check if you are eligible to donate and book an appointment on the Canadian Blood Services website.
