Canadian Blood Services Reports Having Smallest Base Of Donors In A Decade

Calling all new and existing blood donors! Each year, over 100,000 new donors are needed to make up for those who can no longer donate. This helps ensure reliable access to blood and blood products for patients, where and when they need it.

Canadian Blood Services currently has the smallest donor base in a decade and immediately needs more donors to meet patient needs now and into the future. Throughout the pandemic, the number of people across Canada who donate regularly has decreased by 51,000. O-negative blood donors are especially needed because this blood type can be transfused to any patient. In times of emergency or for newborn patients, O-negative blood, the universal blood type, makes a lifesaving difference.

Donation appointment spots are available in the evenings, weekends and long weekend holidays at several donor centres and donation events in communities across Canada. If you are in good health, find a donor centre near you and book now at blood.ca.

It also helps to share your story or reason for joining Canada’s Lifeline at blood.ca/reasons or on social media, so you may inspire others to help save lives. Don’t forget to tag @CanadasLifeline and use the hashtags #BloodForLife, #PlasmaForLife and #CanadasLifeline.

Reminder: Making an appointment is necessary. Keeping it is crucial. Missed or cancelled appointments are difficult for us to fill since we can longer replace you with a ‘walk-in’ donor. Your donations matter. Patients — those among our most vulnerable populations — are grateful for your generosity, commitment, and support as donors. 

If you find that an event is initially full, please save the date and keep checking back on blood.ca. Same day appointments are often available – in fact, we’ve been seeing a high number of last minute cancellations on the day of the clinic so there are often open appointments that can be booked on the morning of the event.

Every donation appointment this summer needs to be filled. Everyone who can is encouraged to donate. Ask a family member, friend, or colleague to book an appointment to donate at the same as you.

Together, physically distant, you can make donating blood, a new meaningful tradition. Without the ongoing dedication of blood and plasma donors, patients in Canada wouldn’t have access to lifesaving care where and when they need it.

Blood donation events are coming up in Orillia on July 7 and 11 and Huntsville on August 22. There are also appointments available at the Barrie Donor Centre every week on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Visit blood.ca to learn more.