Canadian Blood Services needs 150,000 donations by Canada Day to prevent summer shortage

Canadian Blood Services is asking Canadians to roll up their sleeves, as the organization is in need of 150,000 donations by July 1.

“This year, a stormy winter and a wet spring have left inventory levels lower than normal. That means there’s enough blood on the shelves to meet patient needs today, but supplies need to increase before the summer months,” said Canadian Blood Services in a statement.

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Cancer patients, accident victims, and people with blood disorders rely on blood transfusions and Canadian Blood Services needs 16,000 blood donations every week to fully stock shelves for the summer months.

“Even though half of the Canadian population is eligible to donate, only four per cent of people do. That small group provides blood for everyone, so as Canada marks its 150^th anniversary, one way Canadians can celebrate is to respond in high numbers,” said Canadian Blood Services.

All eligible blood donors are, especially those with Type O blood, are encouraged to donate as soon as possible.

To find out where you can donate, visit blood.ca.