Canadian Blood Services issued an urgent call on Tuesday for people in Saskatoon to give blood and meet patient needs leading up to spring break.
Over 1,100 open appointments need to be filled by March 10 to ensure everyone continues to have access to the blood they need, according to the non-profit organization.
Saskatoon patients, like Sierra Hartman, understand the need for blood all too well.
She was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at the age of five months, as well been treated for endocarditis and a hole in her heart.
Hartman has endured 12 heart surgeries so far in her life and required blood transfusions for each procedure.
Thanks to blood donors, Hartman can be a mother to her one-year-old son, a college student, and an employee in the hospitality industry.
Canadian Blood Services said their national blood inventory has steadily declined this winter and hope that spring’s arrival gives people an opportunity to make donating part of their routine.
“Canadian patients rely on blood donors to live longer and healthier lives,” Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ chief supply chain officer, said in a press release.
“There are thousands of open appointments across Canada over the next two weeks. As we emerge from a particularly challenging winter, we’re asking Canadians to donate blood so that all patients have access to blood when they need it.”
Visit Canadian Blood Services online, download their app or call 1-888-236-6283 to find a nearby donation site.