Canadian Blood Services is putting out a call for donations. The national blood inventory has dropped by more than 35 per cent since the start of October and because of heavy snowfall, extreme cold and icy conditions across Canada in the last few days, Canadian Blood Services is facing a shortfall of about 1,500, or ten per cent, of its expected blood and plasma collections.

Rick Prinzen, Chief Supply Chain officer, is urging donors from all communities across Canada, who can safely get to a Canadian Blood Services donation centre, to book an appointment as soon as possible.

He says, “We’ve had to cancel many collection events since Dec. 20. In addition, donors will have had difficulty meeting their scheduled appointments. We anticipate disruptions to continue in the weeks ahead as winter weather events continue to grip the country. Patients across Canada need donors more than ever as we head into the new year. Poor weather can also create an increase in trauma events, increasing the demand for blood. Every donation counts. It could literally save a life.”

In Saskatoon there are 341 empty appointments that need to be filled in the next two weeks and Regina has about 234.