The recent winter storm over the holidays in Ontario, and bitter cold temperatures and severe winds in British Columbia has resulted in fewer blood donations.
Canadian Blood Services Community Development Manager Maureen Macfarlane said a number of clinics and appointments were cancelled due to inclement weather, and there is a critical need for platelets for cancer patients.
She said over the past few days, there was a shortfall of 1,500 or 10 per cent of their expected blood and plasma collections.
"We did, in Ontario, have to cancel quite a few different events which really impacted the amount of collections," said Macfarlane. "This is a really hard time to collect. Everybody is busy with the holidays, and you then add a winter storm in there and it really is kind of the perfect storm. We're in a tough spot, losing all of those collections over the past few days."
The agency said universal O-negative donors are also needed for emergency situations.
It said the national blood inventory has declined by over 35 per cent since the start of October. Currently, they have three or four days on hand of several blood types.
The next donor clinic in Sarnia is scheduled for January 14, 2023 at Temple Baptist Church on Quinn Drive.
"We have 18 open spots there right now," she said. "If we could get all of those filled, and have everybody show up for their appointments, that would be wonderful. Anyone who can't make their appointment, we need them to cancel their appointment so that we can open it up for someone else who is able to donate."
Macfarlane said donors make a huge difference for patients in need.
"Them coming out to donate is a great way to give back to the community by helping those that need blood and blood-related products. Although there's been a shortfall in collections, the demand is constant."
Visit www.blood.ca to book an appointment, use the Give Blood mobile app, or call 1-888-2-Donate.
- With files from Stephanie Chaves
