Canadian Blood Services is calling on all eligible donors to roll up their sleeves to help patients.

The organization needs 150,000 donations by July 1, in order to keep up with summer demand.

Lisa Castro, Territory Manager Canadian Blood Services, says current inventory is lower than it needs to be to ensure CBS can meet patient demands, and there is an immediate need to generate sufficient donor traffic.

"Over the spring months we like to prepare for summer when routine are changing for our donors and they're heading outdoors with the warm weather," she says. "Summer becomes a very challenging time for us to keep up with the supply and demand of our hospital patients."

Castro explains while there is a greater need for Type O blood all donors are still encouraged to book and appointment, adding there are at least 3000 appointments left each week to be filled.

"We need new donors in order for us to support the demand for blood, it never stops, cancer patients, accident victims, and people with blood disorders rely on on blood transfusions every day throughout the summer."

She shares CBS is hoping Canadians will respond in high numbers, and even come out in groups to donate.

CBS will be holding a blood donation clinic in Okotoks Tuesday, July 25, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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