Canadian Blood Services is asking Canadians to donate blood as supplies fall below normal summer levels.
Blood donations usually decrease during the summer as people travel or become busy with other plans. However, the agency says the current drop is more serious, with the blood supply down about 20 per cent since June 1.
“We need more donors to come forward now to reverse this decline,” said Ron Vezina, vice-president of donor engagement and corporate reputation at Canadian Blood Services.
The agency needs about 18,000 donation appointments each week to meet hospital demand. In recent weeks, bookings have fallen short by 1,500 to 2,500 appointments per week, forcing the agency to use existing supplies.
Blood only lasts 42 days, meaning donations made today can quickly help patients in hospitals. Canadian Blood Services says some blood types are now at low levels and more donations are needed to maintain care, especially during the busy August long weekend.
Donors of all blood types are encouraged to book appointments. Extra weekend appointments have been added at many donor centres.
Appointments can be made through blood.ca, the GiveBlood app, or by calling 1-888-2-DONATE.
