Area residents are being asked to roll up their sleeves to give the gift of life.
A blood donor clinic is being held in Dresden today.
Officials with Canadian Blood Services say the winter storm just before Christmas led to a shortfall of about 1,500 or ten per cent of expected blood and plasma collections and the national inventory of several blood types remains far below optimal.
Overall, the national blood inventory has declined by over 35 per cent since the start of October.
“We anticipate disruptions to continue in the weeks ahead as winter weather events continue to grip the country,” says Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations. “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.”
Officials say winter is a challenging time for blood and plasma collections, and while weather impacts and illness are inevitable, it is important that supplies are replenished as soon as possible to ensure the blood supply system is ready if severe weather disrupts collections again.
Today’s blood donor clinic at the Ken Houston Memorial Arena runs until 7pm.
The next local clinic is being held on January 10th at the YMCA in Chatham.
