The Canada blood supply shortage has prompted an urgent appeal for eligible Durham Region residents to book donation appointments after national inventory declined by nearly 20 per cent since June 1.
Canadian Blood Services said the summer decline has been significantly greater than expected, leaving limited quantities of several blood types available for hospitals.
Donors of every blood type are needed to help rebuild the supply and support patients receiving emergency care, cancer treatment, surgery and other medical procedures.
Canada Blood Supply Shortage Exceeds Summer Expectations
Canadian Blood Services normally prepares for fewer donations during the summer as people travel, take vacations and change their regular schedules.
This year, however, appointment bookings have fallen well below typical summer levels.
The organization needs approximately 18,000 booked blood-donation appointments each week to keep pace with hospital demand.
During the six weeks leading up to the warning, weekly bookings were between 1,500 and 2,500 appointments below the required level. Existing inventory has been used to continue meeting patient needs.
Blood cannot be stored indefinitely. Donated red blood cells have a shelf life of up to 42 days, meaning appointments must be filled consistently throughout the year.
Canadian Blood Services warned that current inventory levels are not sustainable for patient care if the decline continues.
Durham Residents Can Donate Locally
Durham residents can search for the closest available appointment by entering their postal code through the Canadian Blood Services booking system.
A permanent donor centre operates at 1300 Harmony Road North in Oshawa.
The booking system may also list mobile donation events in communities such as Ajax, Uxbridge, Bowmanville, Newcastle and Port Perry, depending on the event schedule and available appointments.
Because mobile clinics and appointment availability change, donors should confirm the location, date and time before travelling.
Appointments can be booked through the Canadian Blood Services website, the GiveBlood mobile app or by calling 1-888-2-DONATE.
People who have already booked an appointment are encouraged to keep it. Those who cannot attend should cancel in advance so the appointment can be offered to another donor.
All Blood Types Are Needed
Canadian Blood Services is seeking donors of every blood type.
O-positive is the most common blood type in Canada and is used frequently in patient care. O-negative red blood cells are especially important during emergencies because they can be provided to patients of any blood type when there is not enough time to complete compatibility testing.
People do not need to know their blood type before making their first donation. Canadian Blood Services tests donated blood and provides donors with their blood-type information.
Who May Be Eligible to Donate?
Potential donors must generally be at least 17 years old and weigh more than 110 pounds. Additional height and weight requirements may apply to first-time donors between 17 and 23.
Eligibility can also depend on health, medications, recent travel, medical procedures and other individual circumstances.
Donation criteria are updated as medical evidence and blood-safety policies change. Someone who was previously unable to donate may now be eligible.
Canadian Blood Services recommends completing its online eligibility questionnaire before booking. Final eligibility is determined by trained staff at the donation appointment.
Men who are eligible can generally donate whole blood every 56 days, while women can generally donate every 84 days. Plasma donation intervals range from approximately six to 14 days, depending on the program and donor.
Anyone uncertain about medications, health conditions or another eligibility issue can contact Canadian Blood Services for individual guidance.
Donations Support Everyday and Emergency Care
Donated blood and blood products are used for major surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care, medical procedures and the management of serious diseases and disorders.
Canadian Blood Services has added additional weekend appointments at many donor centres and made whole-blood appointments available at several plasma locations to help address the current decline.
Eligible new and returning donors are being asked to book as soon as possible and continue donating throughout the summer.
