Supplies of blood are at their lowest since 2008, says Canadian Blood Services. The situation is so dire, it has activated the Blood Signal.

The signal is used on a national basis when collections are a challenge, says Joan Hannah, community development coordinator for Canadian Blood Services.

“We have launched an official appeal to urge Canadians to donate blood immediately to increase our critically low blood inventory,” she says. “The Blood Signal lets our donors and prospective donors know that it is time to take action and give.”

Canadian Blood Services will hold a full blood donor clinic in the CAW Student Centre’s Ambassador Auditorium on Tuesday, October 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For this clinic, the Canadian Blood Service will use its appointment system. It encourages donors to book appointments by calling 1-888-2DONATE (1-888-236-6283). Walk-in donors are still welcome but appointments will better accommodate donors' working schedules.

As with previous clinics, the Department of Human Resources encourages all eligible employees to participate in this worthwhile process and asks any employees who wish to donate to make the necessary arrangements with their supervisors regarding the possibility of extended lunch or break periods.