Canadians urged to donate blood amid dip in supply

There’s a call for blood donations, after an apparent drop in inventory across Canada.

Canadian Blood Services says it needs both new and returning donors to give blood in the next few weeks, citing a 25 per cent decrease in the national inventory.

In the last month, the organization says it has seen a 10 per cent more cancelled and no-show appointments than usual. According to a statement by Canadian Blood Services, donations have generally been going strong during the pandemic, and the new appointment issues could be due to illness, isolation requirements, or increased travel.

They believe the low reserve of blood can be restored before patients need it, if Canadians of all blood types make donations in the next few weeks and months. Adding that half of Canadians are eligible for blood donations, but only one in 81 actually donate.

Related article: Canadian Blood Services changes donation screening to focus on behaviour, not sexuality

Gayle Voyer, associate director of donor relations, emphasizes there is a constant need for blood and they rely on the generosity of donors.

“That need is here and that need is now,” she said. “We’re just asking people to book into those appointments so that we can continue to save the lives of hospital patients.”

For those worried about COVID-19 safety while donating, Voyer says there are a number of protocols in place. They include a mask requirement, health screenings, social distancing, and capacity limits. Voyer also asks those who have never donated before to consider doing so, and check their eligibility online.

Some donation policies have also changed. The clinics no longer require a two-week waiting period to donate after travelling to the U.S. For travellers who may have encountered this issue before, Voyer says to “re-book in because we can now accept those donors right away.”

However, she urges perspective donors to cancel an appointment if they aren’t able to make it, and to also re-book for the next month. She says some clinics have open appointments for donors who may be looking for last-minute options.

Booking appointments can be done through the “GiveBlood” app, by calling 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283), or going to blood.ca.

With files from Nikitha Martins