Urgent blood donor appeal issued as supplies fall across eastern Ontario

Appointments can be scheduled through blood.ca, the GiveBlood app or 1-888-TO-DONATE

Canadian Blood Services is making an urgent appeal for donors across eastern Ontario after a summer drop reduced the blood supply.

Donations have declined about 20 per cent since the beginning of June. The organization needs roughly 18,000 appointments filled each week across Canada but has recently fallen short by between 1,500 and 2,500 appointments.

Community Development Manager Debbie Barfoot says fewer donations are arriving than hospitals require, forcing Canadian Blood Services to use existing inventory.

The organization expects donations to slow during summer vacations, cottage trips and other seasonal activities. However, this year’s decline has been greater than anticipated.

Blood products are needed for cancer treatment, leukemia care, planned operations, serious collisions and patients requiring plasma or platelets.

The supply must be continually renewed because the products cannot be stored indefinitely.

Barfoot says first-time donors can begin by reviewing the requirements.

Appointments can be scheduled through blood.ca, the GiveBlood app or 1-888-TO-DONATE.

Canadian Blood Services says patient needs are still being met, but eligible residents are being asked to donate before supplies fall further.