Canadian Blood Services' donor base at 10-year low, prompting urgent call for donations
Canadian Blood Services is facing a dire situation, with its donor base and blood supply reaching the lowest level they’ve been in nearly a decade.
The agency is asking for people of all blood types to consider donating, after inventory began to significantly drop over recent weeks.
"Right now, we actually need all blood types, just because, and we're just asking every donor to come in and book," said Gayle Voyer, associate director of donor relations for the BC/Yukon region, Canadian Blood Services. “Anybody that's eligible or even if someone is interested in donating for the first time, we are asking them to book their appointments today and into the next several weeks.”
The agency is reporting a significant decrease in regular donors – around 31,000 – which began during the pandemic, leading to the smallest donor base in a decade. Voyer said people have perhaps forgotten about rolling up their sleeves and donating blood, as the country begins to return to pre-pandemic activities.
"I think with things just opening up, people having more options to travel. They've got summer vacation, it's just not top of mind, and we’re just asking people to please book in,” Voyer added.
While the agency said O-blood types are at its lowest levels, they’re in need of every blood type. Resident Joanne Mei is an O-blood type, and admitted she has put donating blood on hold over the last few years.
"I started donating like before I had kids, and then while I was pregnant, I couldn't donate blood. And then with the whole COVID reason, I kind of just stopped," said Mei. "Definitely I encourage everybody (to donate), especially with O-type – it's such a rare type of blood, and it's universal."
The agency is also encouraging people to keep their appointments, as cancelling at the last minute can mean it’s too late to make room for others to book.
"Throughout the summer we have seen a number of donors cancel very close to their appointment time, which makes that hard to fill those appointments," said Voyer.
About 10,000 appointments need to be filled across B.C. and the Yukon to increase blood supplies. You can visit www.blood.ca to book an appointment or to see if you are eligible to donate.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
More than half of Canadians say freedom of speech is under threat, new poll suggests
A new poll suggests a majority of Canadians feel their right to freedom of speech is in danger.
NEW Kim Kardashian brand kids' sleepwear and more: Here are some recalls to watch out for
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Parents of infant who died in wrong-way crash on Ontario's Hwy. 401 were in same vehicle
Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit has released new details about a wrong-way collision in Whitby on Monday night that claimed the lives of four people.
Wally, the emotional support alligator once denied entry to a baseball game, is missing
Emotional support animal registrations in the United States reached 115,832 last year, by an industry group’s count. But in the eyes of reptile rescuer Joie Henney, there’s only one: 'Wally Gator.'
Maple Leafs down Bruins 2-1 to force Game 7
William Nylander scored twice and Joseph Woll made 22 saves as the Toronto Maple Leafs downed the Boston Bruins 2-1 on Thursday to force Game 7 in their first-round series.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Federal government to announce funding to help Toronto host six 2026 World Cup games
The federal government is set to announce funding to help Toronto host six matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Is your password 123456? Here's why you should make it stronger
With the sheer number of passwords needed today, it may come as no surprise that over 60 per cent of Canadians feel overwhelmed, and over a third reportedly forget their passwords monthly.
Three Quebec men from same family father hundreds of children
Three men in Quebec from the same family have fathered more than 600 children.