Number of regular blood donors lowest in a decade: Canadian Blood Services
The number of Canadians who regularly give blood is at its lowest point in a decade – low enough to stall Canadian Blood Services' efforts to refill the critically low national blood inventory.
Three to four times a year Rudy Niebuhr and Maureen Klippenstein give blood.
"I think I've done about 90 donations in my life," said Niebuhr.
"We know all sorts of people who have benefitted from or have needed blood. It's something easy for us to be able to do to contribute," Klippenstein told CTV News.
Wybo Vanderschuit started donating blood as a teenager and on Monday he hit donation number 74.
"I know how important it is to have a blood supply available," Vanderschuit said. "There's surgeries going on all the time and actually a friend of mine is in Health Sciences Centre right now after a car accident."
He doesn't come as often anymore because his doctor advised him to slow down. Still, he kept his appointments throughout the pandemic.
It is dedicated blood donors like Niebuhr, Klippenstein and Vanderschuit who keep the national supply flowing, but they are part of a small group that is dwindling in numbers.
"We currently have the smallest donor base we've seen in a decade and this is largely due to the pandemic," said Mike Choi, associate director for donor relations and collections at Canadian Blood Services.
Choi said during the pandemic Canadian Blood Services lost around 31,000 regular blood donors. He said the decline is because of illness, isolation requirements and not being able to recruit new donors at community events.
"This drop in donors is significant. That's why we're asking folks across the country to help us recover," he said. "At this moment there is no impact in our ability to meet patient need but we do need to reverse the trend we're seeing as soon as possible to ensure that this remains the case."
In Manitoba, Canadian Blood Services looks to collect 1,000 units of blood each week to meet the demand for blood in the province.
Countrywide 100,000 new regular blood donors are needed, including 3,000 in Manitoba.
Those looking to book an appointment to donate blood can find more details online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.