Blood donor clinic in Medicine Hat today and tomorrow

By The Canadian Press

Regular donors have decreased during pandemic

Blood donor clinic comes to Medicine Hat at a time when supply is at critical levels

Jun 13, 2022 | 6:46 AM

OTTAWA – Canadian Blood Services is struggling to replenish a critically low supply because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The organization operates a national inventory of blood that is shifted around the country.

It says it has had the smallest donor base in a decade.

Spokesman Rick Prinzen says it’s because the number of people who donate regularly has dropped by 31-thousand since the pandemic began.

He says that’s put a strain on the system and the organization needs to attract 100-thousand new donors this year.

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

5h ago

POSTAL STRIKE

Donations to Medicine Hat non-profits drop over Canada Post strike

5h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

13h ago

Only about 400-thousand of Canada’s 37-million population give blood on a regular basis.

Prinzen says this is also a slow time of year as Canadians leave on vacations and cancel appointments.

The Canadian Blood Services is operating a clinic today and tomorrow at the Medicine Hat Lodge.

(The Canadian Press)