Canadian Blood Services calls for more blood donors

Canadian Blood Services hopes to get more than 22,000 donors by Aug. 26 to ensure patients have enough blood for the rest of the summer. Although all donors are urged to donate, there is a great need for Type O blood negative blood as it is the only type compatible with all other blood types.

“New donors are fundamental to meeting Canada’s blood needs over the longer term. If every donor brings a friend to donate or encourages others to give life, they can have a tremendous impact on the supply system, says Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations.

15-year-old Ty from Barrie area in Ontario is one of those patients who rely on the Canadian Blood Services. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in June.

Patrick Armatage, Ty’s father, says his son needs donations to make it through the next journey called “intensification”, which will last eight months.

“During this phase, Ty’s immune system will be almost non-existent as his care team tries to find and kill the cancer cells hiding in his body. We’ve been told to expect several blood and platelet transfusions during this phase,” said Patrick.

Please visit blood.ca, download our GiveBlood app or call 1-888-2-DONATE to find a nearby donation site. Walk-in appointments are also available at all locations.