Fewer frequent blood donors during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to Canadian Blood Services having the smallest donor base in a decade and has prevented the organization from refilling its low inventory. .“During National Blood Donor Week, we are calling on more people across Canada to book an appointment to donate blood, plasma, and platelets to keep Canada’s Lifeline strong,” said Canadian Blood Services chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations, Rick Prinzen, in a Monday press release. .“The number of people across Canada who donate regularly has decreased by 31,000 donors since the start of the pandemic, which has put a strain on the existing donor community.”.The press release said Canadian Blood Services needs 100,000 new donors to ensure patient needs can be met. .Prinzen said Canadian Blood Services lost donors because of COVID-19 and being unable to recruit people at in-person community events because of restrictions. .Patient Eric Polo receives blood transfusions every month for a rare disease affecting red blood cell production. .“I am thankful for what blood donors do,” said Polo. .“They keep me alive.”.Polo received more than 200 blood transfusions by the time he was 15, and he will require them throughout the rest of his life. .The press release said other patients rely on receiving blood, plasma, and platelets during cancer treatments, accidents, and childbirth. While donors during the pandemic supported the national blood supply, Prinzen said “these donors cannot carry it all.”.According to Canadian Blood Services, 50% of Canadians can donate blood, but 1.2% follow through. .The organization said it's building a more diverse donor base and is working on forming relationships with racialized people and removing barriers to donate. .“Patient lives depend on new donors coming forward,” said Prinzen. .“Donors are vital links in Canada’s Lifeline who improve the lives of patients every day.” .This move comes after the Alberta government repealed a law banning the private sale of blood in 2020. .Alberta United Conservative MLA Tany Yao introduced the bill. .The previous NDP government passed a law in 2017 that banned anyone except Canadian Blood Services from paying for blood products.
