Blood supply drops 20% across Canada as donations plummet below summer norms

Canadian Blood Services says the blood supply has declined by 20 per cent since June 1, dipping below the typical summer slump and creating inventory levels that are unsustainable for patient care without immediate reversal.

The agency needs approximately 18,000 booked blood donation appointments per week across the country to keep pace with hospital demand. Over the past six weeks, bookings have fallen short by 1,500 to 2,500 appointments each week, forcing the organization to draw down existing inventory reserves to meet patient needs.

"We need more donors to come forward now to reverse this decline," said Ron Vezina, vice-president of donor engagement and corporate reputation at Canadian Blood Services. "Blood has a shelf life of just 42 days, so donations made today will quickly make their way to a patient."

There are now limited days on hand of several blood types — levels that would not sustain patient care if the trend does not reverse. The organization is particularly concerned about the August long weekend, when trauma cases and other urgent care needs could spike.

Canadian Blood Services has added more weekend appointments at donor centres and is accepting whole blood donations at several plasma-specific donor centres. All blood types are needed. Those who have already booked are asked to keep their appointments; those who cannot attend are encouraged to cancel in advance so others can take the slot.