The Canadian Blood Services (SCS / CBS) is suffering from a shortage of donations, as it is lacking 10% of the expected blood and plasma donations at this time of year, which is mainly due to severe weather conditions across Canada.

Therefore, this nonprofit organization calls on people to make an appointment to donate blood and urges those who have made an appointment to adhere to their current appointment.

The organization also said in a statement that "the ongoing threats from winter storms and illnesses may further affect donations," warning that its blood product inventories are "much lower than optimal levels."

This situation worries the organization because bad weather conditions can lead to "an increase in injuries, which increases the demand for blood."

Also, the national stock of blood derivatives has dropped by more than 35% since October, leaving the Canadian Blood Services "with a three or four-day supply for several blood categories."

The organization added that it is operating during regular working hours this week and in the new year, and it is calling on people, especially new donors, to visit its centers.

Specifically, the Canadian Blood Services urges people with "O" negative blood type (-O) to donate their blood, because this blood type is universal and can therefore be used for any patient.

The organization also said that shortages in blood product inventories have worsened due to the "sharp decline" in the number of regular donors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic period.