Canadian Blood Services is looking for more blood donors. Due to the rising number of people who have become ill because of the Omicron variant, more and more appointments are being cancelled resulting in a dwindling supply and other challenges for Canadian Blood Services. 

“Recent illness and isolation requirements have affected the availability of some staff at our collections events, and we've also been seeing an increase in donors canceling their appointments because they're not feeling well. As such, we've seen a decline in blood donations nationally,” explained Jennifer Gretzan, Associate Director of Donor Relations and Collections. 

In order to ensure a stable supply of blood, Canadian Blood Services is working to encourage new donors to find some time to give blood. 

“We've been relying on our regular donors to provide lifesaving blood products to hospitals and patients in need. Now is a great time for new donors if they've never donated before or maybe if you haven't donated in a while, to book an appointment to donate blood and help provide those lifesaving blood products to hospital patients,” added Gretzan. 

The organization says one in every two people are eligible to donate but if you have questions about your eligibility, Canadian Blood Services is happy to help answer those questions. 

“There's many reasons why people aren't eligible to donate blood. The best thing to do if you have questions, is visit us at Blood.ca, or give us a call at 1-888-2-DONATE. Generally speaking, you have to be healthy and feeling well on the day of your donation. There are some requirements that you have to meet so Blood.ca is a great resource to see if you are eligible to donate blood,” said Gretzan. 

At Blood.ca, you can take a questionnaire to determine your eligibility.

Gretzan says all staff and volunteers at blood clinics are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at this time but unvaccinated people can still donate if want to. 

She says the need for blood is always constant and there are several medical treatments where a blood donation may be required by a patient. There are over 600 appointments spots in the Red Deer area that need to be filled in order to meet demand. As always, you can call 1-888-2DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or visit Blood.ca to schedule an appointment.