Media Advisory- A harsh winter again closes blood donor clinics in Atlantic

Residents asked to rebook appointments to donate blood

SAINT JOHN, March 18, 2015 /CNW/ - Extreme weather conditions across the Atlantic have forced Canadian Blood Services to cancel several blood donor clinics today. These latest closures follow several others that have occurred since late January.

All clinics across the Maritimes have been closed for the day with the exception of platelet and plasma collections in Saint John.   

"Canadian Blood Services relies on our regular donors to make an appointment every 56 days," says Peter MacDonald, director of donor relations. "However, when winter storms require us to cancel clinics, we need new donors to come into the clinics when they reopen in order to help fill the gap left by the storm and ensure we continue to meet hospital demand for blood.

"If you are unable to donate today, please call or go online to rebook your appointment."

Canadian Blood Services will continue to weather the storm temporarily by leveraging our national reserves to ensure patient needs are met. We are now urging all Canadians to help replenish our nation's blood supply in the coming days and weeks. 

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).

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SOURCE Canadian Blood Services

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