Urgent need for blood donations in Waterloo Region

Winter weather, influenza have had an impact on blood supply and donation numbers

WATERLOO REGION — There is an urgent need for blood donations in Waterloo Region and across the country.

On Tuesday, the organization said it needed more than 35,000 donations from across the country by spring break to meet demand. And the situation in Waterloo Region is no exception.

At the KW Blood Donor Clinic on Bridgeport Road in Waterloo, more than 900 appointments for blood donations need to be filled by March 10, said Tara Gutscher, territory manager for Canadian Blood Services.

“We need as many people as possible to come out and donate,” she said, adding that a lack of donations is very unusual for the region.

“We would usually have about 70 per cent of our appointments booked up.”

At the Cambridge clinic, 56 appointments need to be filled by March 10 and in New Hamburg, 53 appointments are still available.

Blood supply and donations have declined over the winter months due to unpredictable weather and the spread of the flu, said Gutscher.

“We’re seeing so many of our clinics that usually do well have cancellations, or people not showing up the day of because they’re unwell,” she said.

It’s particularly important for people in the region to roll up their sleeves and donate because most of the blood is used in the region.

“It goes to Brampton to our processing facility to be tested to make sure its safe, then it comes back and is used locally,” said Gutscher. “When you’re donating in Kitchener-Waterloo, you’re usually helping like a neighbour or somebody locally within the next five days.”

At this point, Gutscher said those who are able to donate do not have to make an appointment and can just drop in. However, those who would like to book their visit can do so at blood.ca.

DONATE AT THE FOLLOWING CLINICS IN THE REGION:

KW Blood Donor Clinic at 94 Bridgeport Rd. E., Waterloo

Monday and Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

Cambridge Blood Donor Clinic at 35 International Village Dr.

Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.

New Hamburg Blood Donor Clinic at 1316 Snyder’s Rd. W. in Baden

Monday, Feb. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m.