Dealing with a lower than normal inventory, Canadian Blood Services is asking people across the country to roll up their sleeves and give.
Roughly 150,000 blood donations are needed by July 1, as the organization looks to stock up before the long summer months when regular donors venture outdoors and out of town.
"That equates to 16,000 donors coming through our doors a week. In the London area, there are 300 open appointments still to be filled by May 29," said Marisa Gatfield, spokesperson for Canadian Blood Services.
Inventory levels were depleted during the long winter and wet spring and, while there is enough blood to meet the current needs of hospital patients, there isn't enough to last through July and August. The greatest need is for Type O blood.
"The demand for blood never stops. Cancer patients, accident victims, and people with blood disorders rely on blood transfusions every day," said Gatfield. "Leading into a long weekend people are planning their festivities and an increase in travel so blood donation isn't always top of mind. We are encouraging them to come in before they take off for the long weekend."
Canadian Blood Services manages the national supply of blood, blood products and stem cells, and related services for all the provinces and territories, excluding Quebec. Only 4% of those eligible to donate actually do, according to the organization.
"It's perfectly normal to be a little bit nervous about the process if you've never donated blood before," said Gatfield. "The key to a successful blood donation is to make sure you drink lots of fluids to be well hydrated, have something to eat, and bring identification. There is a screening process that everyone goes through so your eligibility to donate is determined at clinic. It's a gift of life and most donations are used within days."
In London, donations can be made at the London Permanent Centre Blood Donor Clinic on Wharncliffe Rd. South.
To learn more about giving blood or to book an appointment visit Blood.ca, download the GiveBlood App, or call 1-888-2DONATE.
