As spring has hit, Canadian Blood Services has seen an increase in cancelled appointments.

Since March, they have seen a 10 per cent increase in late cancellations and missed appointments. That increase has led to a 25 per cent decrease in the national blood inventory.

“I think part of this is influenced by recent illness, isolation requirements, and the lifting of some of our COVID restrictions in provinces,” said Aaron Barlow, the territory manager of donor relations for Canadian Blood Services in Regina.

Barlow said they should be able to meet hospital demand and patient needs for now.

“What has to happen is new, and returning donors need to book and keep appointments to replenish our inventory to ensure that we have strong inventory heading into the next couple of months.”

Currently, one in two people in Canada are eligible to donate blood, plasma, and platelets, but only one in 81 does.

“That small number of donors are sustaining Canada’s blood supply, but unfortunately, we need more donors because 1 in 81 is just not sustainable,” Barlow said.

“We need donors to show up, make appointments, keep their appointments to ensure that we have optimum levels of blood inventories heading into the summer months,” he continued. “Share the message that we have an immediate need to replenish our inventory to ensure that Canadian patients are getting the life-saving products that our donors give.”

To book an appointment to donate and join Canada’s Lifeline, download the GiveBlood app, call 1-888-236-6283 or book online at blood.ca.