Pressing need for lifesaving blood and plasma donations, yet only 1 in 10 plan to give over the holidays: Survey
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While six out of 10 eligible donors in Canada believe donating blood or plasma over the holidays is important, only one in 10 plans to book an appointment before Dec. 31.
That according to Canadian Blood Services which says those are the findings of a new Ipsos survey, adding, that they are especially worrisome now. The national inventory of several blood types is far below optimal, says the organization. At the same time, respiratory illnesses including RSV, flu and COVID-19 are making it more difficult for Canadian Blood Services to staff donor centres and donation events, and for donors to keep their appointments.
In Red Deer, there are currently 561 appointments that need to be filled by Dec 31.
“Winter cold and flu season is upon us, our cancellation rates have jumped significantly, and we’re heading into the toughest weeks to collect blood and blood products. Winter storms could further impact collections, and more than 25,000 open appointments must be filled across Canada by Dec. 31. Booking an appointment and donating will make all the difference,” says Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations.
