Canadian Blood Services calling for first time donors
Canadian Blood Services says they are seeing a shortage of supply of blood donations and donors, and are hoping more first-time donors will sign up to help fill the gap.
Debbi Barfoot says the pandemic has proved challenging for collecting donations.
"Though the pandemic, our donor base has actually shrunk, so less people are coming in," she says. "And then recently with Omicron it’s affecting us a little bit more and it’s starting to be a bit of a concern."
Barfoot says the new variant has forced staffing shortages and cancelled appointments.
Another major hit to inventory, says Barfoot, was the snowstorm on Jan. 17 that caused appointments to be cancelled across Ontario.
She says it resulted in 1,000 units being lost.
"We’re still trying to make up for those units, based on hospital orders, and what patients need in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle," she explains. "So we’re trying to make up those units, and fill those existing appointments."
In places like Kingston, there are more than 100 appointments that need to be filled for the month of February.
She says they need the help of new donors to fill the appointments.
"One in two people in Canada are eligible to donate, however, one in 81 actually does," says Barfoot. "Those donors, those dedicated donors that come in every 56 days if you're male or every 84 days if you're a female, they're making up for everybody. So we really need to encourage new blood donors into the system."
For ways to donate, and to find out whether you are eligible, visit the Canadian Blood Services website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.