Canadian Blood Services is urging Canadians to donate blood or plasma as soon as possible after severe winter weather and seasonal illness disrupted collections across the country. Major storms and extreme cold this week led to cancelled appointments and donation events, with 1,500 fewer donations collected in the last six days and 16 events cancelled so far in January.
Hospitals currently have enough blood, but officials warn supplies could drop without a steady flow of donations. O-negative blood is especially needed because it is compatible with all blood types and essential for emergency care.
Canadian Blood Services encourages new donors to get involved, and anyone who donates or joins the stem cell registry before March 31, 2026, can enter the “Give and Get Away” campaign to win Air Canada tickets.
Walk-ins are welcome at donor centres, or appointments can be booked online at blood.ca, through the GiveBlood app, or by calling 1-888-236-6283.
Written by Emily Chatwood
