Canadian Blood Services says the demand for blood products right now is double what it originally projected for the summer.
Hospitals across the country are expected to need over 63,000 units of blood this summer.
The agency says it needs at least 6200 more people in southern Alberta to donate before the September long weekend to replenish supplies.
According to Alberta transportation statistics, the Labour Day weekend is the busiest long weekend in terms of vehicle related traumas.
Canadian Blood Services says that just one of those victims can require as much as 50 units of blood.
The service operates on a national level, and says inventory is lower than it would like to see right now.
"On a national level we have what we call a safety blanket, and when the blood supply starts to creep up to that safety limit then we consider ourselves in a pretty serious situation," says Bonnie Monteith of Canadian Blood Services, "but we're not quite there, its pretty touch and go right now."
More donors are needed at the permanent clinic the week of Aug. 11.
To donate in Calgary, visit: Canadian Blood Services Calgary
737-13th Avenue SW
To book an appointment to donate blood, please call 1 888 2 DONATE
(1 888 236-6283)
Clinic Hours
Monday - Friday 9 am - 1 pm
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 3:30 - 8 pm
Saturday 8 am - 1 pm
More donors are also needed at the following mobile clinics:
Saturday, August 9
McKenzie Lake Community Centre
16198 McKenzie Lake Way SE
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Thursday, August 14
Ernst and Young
440 - 2 Avenue SW
9 am - 2 pm
For more information click on the link.
