Richmondites encouraged to make blood donations amid spike in demand

Richmondites are encouraged to make a blood donation with Canadian Blood Services looking for help to replenish its stock.

The organization is calling for an additional 23,000 blood donors across Canada by the end of the month to meet the rising demand as COVID-19 restrictions started to ease and many hospitals resume surgical procedures.

“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,” said Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations. 

With more people being vaccinated and fewer restrictions put in place, many people began travelling and pulling away from donations.  

“Attendance at collection centers is starting to slip as COVID-19 restrictions ease in many areas. Canadians are enjoying greater freedom after months of following COVID-19 safety measures, while hospitals are tackling a backlog of medical procedures,” said Prinzen, noting that there is an immediate need for new and returning donors to fill all open appointments to meet demand and support patients’ need this summer.  

“Patients in your community and across Canada need your help right now and, in the weeks, and months ahead.”

Although the service welcomes all blood types to help patients, there is a specific need for donors with the universal O-negative blood type.

Download the GiveBlood app available on the AppStore or GooglePlay and join Canada’s Lifeline. Please call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or book now at blood.ca.