Simcoe County blood donor clinics face critical shortages
The Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is facing a critical shortage in blood supply throughout the country.
The shortage is being felt in several cities, including Barrie.
The local agency is reporting less than three days worth of supply for 0+ and 0- blood types, while supply for A+, A- and B- is estimated to be five days worth.
“It’s probably the perfect storm right now, we are probably seeing the lowest donor base we have seen in over a decade, and we have probably lost about 31,000 donors across the county,” said Elaine St.Pierre, Community Development Manager for Canadian Blood Services.
According to the agency, the number of donors has slowly declined throughout the past two and half years, as many were forced to stay home.
However, as thousands head back to pre-pandemic activities, the need for blood is increasing.
“We have gone back to where the hospitals are trying to clear the backlog of elective procedures that were on hold during the pandemic, so the demand for blood is now over pre-pandemic levels,” said St.Pierre.
According to CBS, frozen plasma has a one-year shelf life and a 42-day shelf life for red blood cells.
“It’s important to know that the need never stops and blood always has a short shelf life,” said St.Pierre.
Currently, the agency says its Barrie donation location has over 300 appointments available for those looking to donate.
“The Barrie donor centre at 231 Bayview Drive is open four days a week, and we really encourage people to book not only in the weeks but in the months ahead so that we can keep serving those patients,” said St.Pierre.
More information about booking an appointment can be found here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
'It’s discriminatory': Individuals refused entry to Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
Individuals being barred from entering Ontario’s legislature while wearing a keffiyeh say the garment is part of their cultural identity— and the only ones making it political are the politicians banning it.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.