With elective surgeries ramping up, blood donations are needed

If you are thinking of donating blood, now is your chance.

As the province continues to reopen its economy and elective surgeries have resumed, blood donations are needed now more than ever. A spokesperson for Canadian Blood Services said they did see an increase in appointments at the start of the pandemic. But now they are seeing more and more last-minute cancellations or people just not showing up for their appointment. 

“We are asking people to book their appointments, keep their appointments. If they are not able to do so, we ask to rebook at a later date,” said Jamie Reichmann, Territory Manager for Canadian Blood Services in London.

There are over 400 appointments available each week at the Bridgeport Road East location in Waterloo. However, Reichmann said they are seeing around 10 to 15 per cent of booked appointments being cancelled.  The clinic has extended its hours for the Labour Day long weekend in hopes to encourage those wanting to book to do so.

“There are over one hundred spots available right now. They are open Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.” shared Reichmann.

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