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Need for blood donors increasing as surgeries restart

Canadians are being asked to donate blood as hospitals resume performing elective surgeries and procedures cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
blood donation
Donating blood can give donors a sense of control and accomplishment amidst the stress and anxiety of the COVID-19 pandemic, said a spokesperson for Canadian Blood Services.

Canadians are being asked to donate blood as hospitals resume performing elective surgeries and procedures cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Demand for blood in the last two weeks has returned to near pre-COVID-19 levels,” said Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations.

However, the organization is not able to collect as much blood as usual, due to physical distancing requirements and other safety measures, Prinzen said. “This gap is drawing down the national blood supply and we need donors to help replenish it by filling all available slots.”

Canadian Blood Services reported a record number of new donors during the pandemic. It saw a 20 per cent year-over-year increase in first-time donors in the six weeks from mid-March to the end of April.

At the same time, donors and frontline workers had to adapt to changing circumstances. Walk-ins were cancelled as part of COVID-19 safety measures. Donors must now book their appointments in advance, answer questions related to COVID-19, pass additional health checks and wear masks.

To book an appointment, download the GiveBlood app, call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or go to blood.ca.