As a result of nearly 12,000 unfilled appointments so far this summer, coupled with constant hospital demand, Canadian Blood Services is forecasting a need for 51,000 appointments to be filled between now and Labour Day to replenish stocks.
For that reason, CBS has extended the Blood Signal until Sept. 3. The Blood Signal is a call to action for Canadians to rally together and book a blood donation when the need is greatest — like now.
“Canadian Blood Services operates a national system and we are able to draw on our national reserves at times like these, says Ed Yee, director of donor and clinic services for the CBS B.C. and Yukon region.
“Every summer is a challenge, but this year the trend is especially concerning as there are 51,000 appointments to fill between now and Sept. 3 to keep blood inventory at an acceptable level, including 9,500 appointments in the B.C. and Yukon region.”
The summer months are always challenging for Canada’s blood supply and we are not alone; donations are soft in other countries as well. Blood systems in the U.S. and the U.K. have recently issued urgent appeals for blood donors due to fewer donations being made this summer and overall blood inventory levels falling.
“No patient goes without blood,” says Yee. “But with so many open appointments, we need Canadians to book and donate now.”
We ask those who already have an appointment to make every effort to keep it and, if you can, bring a friend to donate.
The next two clinics in Chilliwack are on Monday, Aug. 5 (B.C. Day) and Monday, Aug. 19. Both clinics run from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. are are at Broadway Church (46611 Maple Ave.).
To book an appointment, visit www.blood.ca or call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283). Making an appointment now will ensure that patient needs are met this summer.
Tip: Although clinic dates may be fully booked when you call to make an appointment, some of the time slots will open up 48 hours before the appointment date due to last-minute cancellations by the donor. Try calling the toll-free number to make an appointment a day or two before the clinic date to help fill those last-minute cancellations.
