Blood donors needed in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills with demand rising
Published July 8, 2021 at 9:10 pm
Blood donors are needed in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills to replenish inventory.
Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is putting out the call across Canada for an additional 23,000 blood donors following a sustained rise in demand as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
With Ontario’s stepping up reopening plans, many of the surgical procedures that were put on hold are returning to pre- COVID-19 levels and demand for blood products are on the rise.
While donors of all blood types are encouraged, CBS says there is a specific need for donors with a universal blood type. O-negative blood donors are part of a select group compatible with everyone.
O-negative blood is used during an emergency when there is no time to check a patient’s blood type.
“As COVID-19 restrictions gradually ease and we move into a ‘new normal,’ the need for blood is rising due to increasing demand and missed or unfilled blood donation appointments,” says Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations.
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As vaccine rates rise and COVID-19 cases continue to drop there are fewer restrictions on travel and gatherings and people, feeling safer, are heading out and not donating.
“Attendance at collection centres is starting to slip as COVID-19 restrictions ease in many areas,” Prinzen says. “Canadians are enjoying greater freedom after months of following COVID-19 safety measures, while hospitals are tackling a backlog of medical procedures.
“There’s an immediate need for new and returning donors to fill all open appointments to meet demand and support patients’ needs this summer. Patients in your community and across Canada need your help right now and, in the weeks, and months ahead.”
The summer also sees a rise in demand because of accidents and a greater potential for injuries requiring blood transfusions.
Appointments are still required to donate blood at this time in compliance with the Public Health Agency of Canada’s direction to enable physical distancing.
To donate blood, download the GiveBlood app available on the AppStore or GooglePlay, call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or book now at blood.ca.
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