Canadian Blood Services reports critical need for blood donations in June

National Blood Donor Week runs June 11 to 17, and the Canadian Blood Services has put out a call to action for all Canadians.

“We recently called on Canadians to fill more than 150,000 donation appointments by Canada’s 150th birthday to ensure that there is enough blood to meet patient needs throughout the summer,” said Vice President of donor relations, Mark Donnison. “As of today, we’re not on track to meet that target, so we are pleading with Canadians to book an appointment to donate and replenish supplies before July 1.”

As a bonus for donating blood during National Blood Donor Week and over the summer long weekends, Canadian Blood Services will be handing out a limited-edition Canada 150 collector pin to everyone who visits one of its clinics. They also have a digital version of the pin available.

To book an appointment today, locate a clinic, check your eligibility and more, download the Give Blood App for Apple or Android or visit blood.ca.

Blood donation facts

• Last year, it is estimated Canadian Blood Services helped more than 650,000 patients across the country through the products and services it provides; its support was possible thanks to the generosity of more than 785,000 donors (including blood, organ, stem cell and financial donors).
• One in two Canadians will either need blood or know someone who will at some point in their lives.
• Across Canada, Canadian Blood Services must collect 16,000 units of blood every week.