The Canadian Blood Services organization is worried about the large number of cancellations to donate blood primarily due to the uncertainty around COVID-19.

Understandably, people may be feeling concerned about avoiding preventable interactions and as a result, the blood donation supply is uncomfortably low.

Many Canadians rely on blood products to treat trauma, cancers, and many surgeries. One positive point about a national blood system is that blood products go to where the greatest demand is so that patients and hospitals can get what they need.

In terms of public safety and sanitization measures in the clinics, people can be assured that the standards in these facilities have always been high as a health center, and now with the COVID-19 virus,  Canadian Blood Services is going further in its efforts to keep everyone safe.

Another case in point is that the donor centers are a place that healthy people come to.  Potential donors are carefully screened for any symptoms of illness. Only healthy people are eligible to donate blood.

Canadian Blood Services has an excellent track record of responding to public health issues quickly and effectively.  Some examples from the past include H1N1, Zika, MERS, SARS, Chagas, and West Nile Virus.

As an added measure, COVID-19 information can be found on the www.blood.ca/covid1#safe website for detailed answers during this challenging time.

The areas addressed on the website are enhanced wellness measures, donor eligibility, safety commitments, the procedure for making appointments and walk-in, as well as other Q & A information.

For the Canadian Blood Services to continue its mandate to provide much-needed blood supplies to Canadians who need it the most, they are asking that you honor your appointments, and take advantage of going to donor clinics to fulfill the demand and donate blood.

The organization encourages the public to reach out and call them or visit the website if you have any questions or want to make an appointment.