This week is National Blood Donor Week, a time when blood donors are celebrated and recognized for their generosity to patients across Canada.
It is celebrated every year from June 8 to 14 with the last day coinciding with World Blood Donor Day.
According to the Canadian Blood Services, thousands of people, including new donors, have continuously joined Canada’s Lifeline to help sustain the blood system during COVID-19 this year.
“Canadian Blood Services recorded a 20 per cent year-over-year increase in first-time donors in the six weeks from mid-March to the end of April when impacts from the pandemic began,” reads a statement from Canadian Blood Services.
Rick Prinzen, vice-president of donor relations at Canadian Blood Services, said the demand for blood has returned across Canada as hospitals resume surgeries and procedures that were put on hold because of COVID-19.
“As the provinces bring their health systems back and activities pick up, the need for blood, stem cells and plasma donors will increase,” said Prinzen.
“We are cautiously building capacity to collect donations to meet demand including extending our hours and collecting on days we are normally closed in your region.”
Donors who wish to donate must book their appointments in advance online at blood.ca as walk-ins are cancelled as part of the COVID-19 safety measures.
The National Blood Donor Week Act was legislated by the Government of Canada in 2008 and was first sponsored by Senator Terry Mercer.
This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Act.
