It’s National Blood Donor week across Canada.
Canadian Blood Services says blood donations have continued during COVID-19, which is crucial.
The organization says demand for blood has returned to near pre-COVID-19 levels, but the capacity to collect blood is still only at 90 per cent.
This gap means more donors are needed to fill available slots as Canada’s healthcare system begins to once again offer elective surgeries and procedures.
While the processs for donating blood has changed due to COVID-19, but Canadian Bood Services says they hope to get every appointment filled over the next weeks and months to ensure an adequate blood supply.
Officials say they saw a 20 per cent year-over-year increase in first-time donors in the six weeks form mid-march to the end of April.
You must pre-book your appointment, answer COVID-19 screening questions, pass additional health checks and wear a mask.
National Blood Donor Week has been celebrated in Canada since 2008 and culminates Sunday (June 14) with World Blood Donor Day.
If your life has been changed by blood products, we invite you to share your story or reason for joining Canada’s Lifeline at blood.ca/reasons and on your social media by tagging @CanadasLifeline and use the hashtags #CanadasLifeline #WhatsYourReason #NBDW2020 #WBDD.
You can also support Canadian Blood Services by registering to become a stem cell donor, give a financial gift or raise funds in support of Canadian Blood Services, register your intent to donate organs and tissues and join the Partners for Life program, sign up as a volunteer and help spread the word.
Download the GiveBlood app and join Canada’s Lifeline. Please call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or book now at blood.ca.