Low attendance at donor centres and increased appointment cancellations, combined with a constant need for blood, has prompted Canadian Blood Services to put out an urgent call for more donors.
“Donor attendance had remained strong during past waves of COVID-19, but we have seen a notable shift since mid-March. We have experienced a 10 per cent increase in late cancellations and missed appointments influenced by recent illness, isolation requirements and the lifting of restrictions, and a seven per cent rise in deferrals related in part to increased travel,” said Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations.
The national blood inventory has decreased by 25 per cent since April, Canadian Blood Service said. It is calling for new and returning donors to help replenish it before patients are affected.
There needs to be an increase in donors before Canada Day to ensure there is enough of each blood type.
“Due to its short shelf life, the need for platelets to treat patients with serious blood disorders or those undergoing cancer treatments is pressing and ongoing. And we also need more donors to grow Canada’s plasma supply for patients, including those who need immunoglobulins,” Prinzen said.
Patients can donate whole blood every 56 days for males and 84 days for females. Plasma donations can occur every seven days and platelet donations can happen every 14 days.
Appointments are required for giving blood and can be booked online.
If you can donate blood before July 1, there a number of nearby clinics taking place:
- Canadian Blood Services at 9350 Yonge St. in Richmond Hill. Appointments available regularly, as early as May 23.
- Newmarket Community Centre at 200 Doug Duncan Dr. A clinic is taking place June 3.
- Newmarket Legion at 707 Srigley St. A clinic is taking place June 6.
- St. Maurice & St. Verena Coptic Orthodox Church at 3300 Hwy 7 East in Markham. A clinic is taking place June 15.
- East Gwillimbury Sports Complex, at 1914B Mount Albert Rd. in Sharon. A clinic is taking place June 18.
- Trisan Centre at 25 Dillane Drive in Schomberg. A clinic is taking place June 29.