Recent snowstorm affects blood donations

LEAMINGTON — A blood donor clinic slated for Leamington on Wednesday, February 2 has taken on a more urgent circumstance as many blood donation events across the province last week were cancelled due to a snowstorm.

The snowstorm — which dumped many inches of snow on communities from London to Ottawa on Monday, January 17 — made travel and movement nearly impossible in those communities.

“Due to last Monday’s winter weather, many blood donor events across Ontario were cancelled,” said Marisa Gatfield, Territory Manager for Canadian Blood Services. “This resulted in the loss of hundreds of units of blood.”

The need for blood is always there, but the storm affected the anticipated total in donations across the province.

Gatfield hopes that the clinic coming up in Leamington can help replenish the blood supplies.

The Leamington clinic will be held at the Lebanese Club on Wednesday, February 2 from 1 pm to 7 pm.

Donations are by appointment only due to COVID restrictions.

You can book an appointment to donate by visiting blood.ca or by calling 1-888-236-6283.

About 50 appointments remain open for the Leamington event.