As is usually the case going into a long weekend, the need for blood donors increases and that is the case in Saskatoon with Canadian Blood Services urging all eligible donors to book and keep appointments this week.

There are four opportunities for eligible donors to donate at the Saskatoon donor centre at 1206 Emerson Avenue…from 1 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

There is a specific need for donors with type O-negative blood. O-negative is always in need as it is the universal donor. Canadian Blood Services says demand for blood has increased with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions with hospitals treating more trauma patient admissions and carrying out surgical procedures that had been on hold. Canadian Blood Services anticipates the increased demand will continue this fall and need to have an acceptable inventory of all types of blood for Canadians.