Blood supply concerns grow as pandemic restrictions ease

While much of Canada will welcome eased pandemic restrictions over the summer, Canadian Blood Services is concerned about ensuring a stable national blood supply.

In a release this week,the organization said over 23,000 donors will be needed by July 31 to replenish supplies.

Peter MacDonald, director of donor relations for Canadian Blood Services in Atlantic Canada, saidthe organization's inventory is in good shape fornow but there are challenges ahead.

Hesaid relaxed COVID-19restrictions meanhospitals are now able to catchup on the backlog caused by the pandemic, and demand for blood has been "restored to pre-COVID levels and beyond."

On the supply side, good weather and eased restrictions have resulted in an increase in the number of donor no-shows and cancelled appointments as people resume travelling, MacDonald said.

He said the combination of higher demand and lower supply is "not a good equation"for the organization's inventory.

According to MacDonald, Atlantic Canadians are normally generous when it comes to blood donations, but summer is an annual challenge.

"We see more people travelling, more people on the road, and the potential for more accidents that could possibly use blood and blood products," he said.

MacDonald is urging people to go to the Canadian Blood Services websiteand make an appointment to donate.

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