Urgent need for blood, plasma donations through the holidays

By James Sebastian-Scott

Canadian Blood Services is asking those who are eligible to donate blood to continue to do so through the holidays. 

A recent survey conducted by Ipsos suggests that six in ten people believe it's important to donate blood, however, only one in ten will actually book an appointment before Dec. 31. 

Canadian Blood Services said the national inventory of certain blood types is below optimal levels. Appointments are also being cancelled due to the respiratory illness season we are in. 

“Winter cold and flu season is upon us, our cancellation rates have jumped significantly, and we’re heading into the toughest weeks to collect blood and blood products. Winter storms could further impact collections, and more than 25,000 open appointments must be filled across Canada by Dec. 31. Booking an appointment and donating will make all the difference,” said Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations.  

With the blast of winter weather southwestern Ontario is also expected to get through the holidays, it creates a challenge for those who do have appointments to keep them and make it to their clinic safely. 

“Late cancellations and missed appointments make it challenging to collect blood products. If you make an appointment, please try to keep it. If you are unable to make it to your appointment, please cancel it as early as possible so someone else may take your place,” said Prinzen.

Despite being in need of all blood types, Canadian Blood Services is specifically seeking donors who are O-negative due to being able to transfuse that blood type to any patient.

“O-negative is the universal donor so we always actively seek and get in touch with people who are O-negative so they can step up and donate if possible,” said Gina Leyva, Community Development Manager with Canadian Blood Services. 

The need for blood doesn't take any holidays which is why Canadian Blood Services is asking for the support. 

“There is still a lot of patients in hospitals who require blood transfusions for a number of things. The need doesn't stop and that's why it's so important,” she said.

She said the appointments in Waterloo Region have been strong up to about Christmas Eve.

“I think some people may not realize that we are open throughout the holidays,” she said, “the only day that we close is Christmas Day. Blood has a shelf life so if we were closed for any two day's back-to-back, they would be risking not having enough blood in local hospitals for patients.”

Leyva said that after Christmas Day, appointments tend to drop-off despite the support still being needed until the new year. 

“We really need support after the holidays as well,” she said, “I know a lot of people get into this gift giving spirit so often times they are booking appointments all the way up to Christmas Eve. We're seeing locally really strong appointments booked up until then (…) we really need support all the way through to the new year.”

Leyva said that someone who may be going through cancer treatments, they can require up to eight units of blood each week.

“That's eight people donating blood to save one person just for one week,” said Leyva. 

The number of people who donate regularly has decreased by 31,000 since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Patients’ needs are still being met by the smallest donor base in a decade, but this is not sustainable. Patients across Canada need new and returning donors more than ever to give lifesaving blood and plasma. Right now is the time to book an appointment. Your donation could help bring someone home this winter season,” said Prinzen.

To book an appointment, visit blood.ca

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