Blood Services wants your help

Every drop counts.

The Canadian Blood Services has invoked the Blood Signal, a call for Canadians to give blood because the need is great. Canadians are urged to roll up their sleeves and make an appoint- ment this month.

“Every summer is a challenge, but this year, the trend is especially concerning,” said Ed Yee, director of donor and clinic services for the agency’s B.C. and Yukon region.

“There are 51,000 appointments to fill between now and Sept. 3 to keep blood inventory at an acceptable level, including 9,500 appointments in the B.C. and Yukon region.”

Already this summer, nearly 12,000 appointment times have gone unfilled. There is no acute shortage as the organization operates a national system and is able to draw on reserves across the country at times like these, Yee said.

People who have already booked an appointment are asked to make every effort to keep it and, if they can, bring along a friend to donate blood.

To book an appointment, visit blood.ca or 1-888-2 DONATE. Residents of Victoria can give blood 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on alternating Saturdays at 3449 Saanich Rd. (across from the Uptown Shopping Centre).