Low blood supply has led to a critical need for donations

National Blood Donor Week couldn’t come at a better time.

Typically a week to celebrate donors across the country, this year it’s being used as a chance to urge Canadians to give blood this month.

“Patients across the country need more donors to step forward for life-giving blood donations,” said vice-president of donor relations, Mark Donnison.

It’s easy for donating blood to fall down your list of priorities, as most donors lead active lives, but Canadian Blood Services is urging people to move it up the priority list at this time.

“We recently called on Canadians to fill more than 150,000 donation appointments by Canada’s 150th birthday to ensure that there is enough blood to meet patient needs throughout the summer,” added Donnison. “As of today, we’re not on track to meet that target, so we are pleading with Canadians to book an appointment to donate and replenish supplies before July 1.”

One-in-two Canadians will need blood at some point in their life and chances are you know someone that’s been saved by donated blood.

Michael Levya, who was born premature and needed three blood transfusions at two weeks old to fight a life-threatening infection, celebrated his fourth birthday earlier this year.

Levya is only alive and healthy because of the generosity of blood donors.

During National Blood Donor Week, which is ongoing until June 17th, donors will get a limited-edition Canada 150 collector pin.