Canadians are urged to donate blood and plasma.
Canadian Blood Services says hundreds of donation appointments have been cancelled due unique circumstances this summer such as floods and now wildfires. It meant 300 cancelled appointments in the Kelowna area alone over the past week as British Columbia and the Northwest Territories continue to deal with devastating fires.
The organizations says nearly 10,000 donor appointments need to be filled in between now and Labour Day and with blood having a limited shelf life of 42 days, its vital donations are continuously accepted without interruption.
“We expected to see lower attendance in the summer months when regular donors take summer vacations, but the extraordinary natural events across the country presented unpredicted challenges for folks from coast to coast,” says Ron Vezina, vice president, public affairs. “Between heat waves and forest fires, torrential rains and flash floods, communities are strained, as people cope with the emergencies in front of them. Fewer people have been donating, but despite these circumstances patients continue to need vital donations of blood and plasma.”
“We’re asking everyone who can to please donate blood or plasma and to help spread the word, by inviting others to join them in donating. We need this important ask of Canadians to reach as many people as quickly as possible and are asking for help in sharing our message on social media. Follow us @CanadasLifeline. Your support gives reassurance to the patients who rely on donated blood or plasma,” said Vezina.
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