Easement of health restrictions sparks national blood shortage

Canadian Blood Services is calling for an additional 23,000 blood donors across Canada by the end of the month to replenish their blood inventory.  At Lethbridge’s plasma donor centre, Business Development Manager Brenna Scott says the shortage in supply is being felt due to the easement of COVID-19 restrictions. If you are in southern Alberta and looking to donate only plasma, it’s just a short trip as Lethbridge is home to one of three plasma donor centres in Canada.  But if you are looking to make a whole blood donation, Scott says you will need to make a longer trip.

Scott says the Lethbridge plasma donor centre has 1,500 slots every month that they need to fill.  Many appointments are still available for the month of July.