Winter weather continues to affect blood donor clinics in Atlantic Canada

Residents asked to rebook appointments to donate blood

SAINT JOHN, NB, March 19, 2015 /CNW/ - Following extreme weather conditions across the Atlantic, Canadian Blood Services has been forced to cancel and change hours at blood donor clinics again today. These latest closures follow those that occurred yesterday, as well as several others that have occurred since late January.

Clinics in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and Sydney, Nova Scotia are closed for the day. The clinic in Halifax was forced to delay opening and the clinic in Truro, Nova Scotia will only operate its evening clinic. All clinics in New Brunswick remain open.

"A need for blood donors exists this week as a result of winter storms that hit Atlantic Canada," says Peter MacDonald, director of donor relations. "Because we operate a national system, Canadian Blood Services can draw on its reserves so that patients who need blood continue to get it. We do, however, need to replenish our local blood supply after a winter storm, and are calling on donors from Atlantic Canada to book an appointment  and donate after the storm when it is safe to do so."

To fill empty appointments and meet patient needs, you can book an appointment, download the GiveBlood app, visit blood.ca or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236 6283).

SOURCE Canadian Blood Services

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