Canadian Blood Services has seen a notable increase in donations since Dec. 18 when it issued an urgent call for eligible donors to fill 35,000 open appointments by Jan. 6. However, more new and returning donors are still needed to help fill 18,000 open appointments.
“We are pleased so many Canadians have stepped up to fill open appointments to give blood and are confident others will join them by year-end or early in the New Year,” said Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ chief supply chain officer.
The holiday season and the beginning of the New Year is a slower time for blood donations. Travel, family activities and changes in routines pose challenges to blood collections, especially the last half of December into the New Year, CBS officials note.
While all blood types help patients, the supply of O-negative blood is in particular demand. Donors with O-negative blood are part of a select group whose donations are compatible with everyone. As the universal blood type, patients in an emergency situation can all receive O-negative blood.
To book an appointment, download the GiveBlood app available for iOS on the App Store or for Android on Google Play, call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283), or visit blood.ca.
Upcoming local clinics will be held at:
– the Palmerston Community Centre, 525 Cavan Street, Palmelrston, on Jan. 18 from 5 to 8pm; and
– Community Christian School, 35 High Street, Drayton, on Jan. 22 from 3:30 to 7:30pm.
