Héma-Québec is launching an urgent appeal to people with blood groups O+, O- and B- who are willing to donate blood because its reserves have deteriorated in recent weeks.
In a press release published Thursday morning, Héma-Québec explains that the arrival of warmer weather has led to many donors to cancel their appointments.
Héma-Québec’s reserve remain in good condition, but the needs are greater for certain blood groups.
“A drop in the number of in blood drives in various regions in recent weeks has led Héma-Québec to launch an urgent appeal to people belonging to blood groups O+ and O-, as well as to people belonging to group B-, which is rarer,” it said.
They will be more flexible with donors from targeted groups, including those without an appointment.
Nationally, according to 2023 data, 36 per cent of the population belongs to the O+ group, while seven per cent of the population belongs to the O- group, recognized as the “universal donor.”
Group B- represents 1.5 per cent of the population.
Héma-Québec extends the invitation to people who have never donated blood, emphasizing that the experience is “simple and quick” and that it “leads to an immense feeling of pride.”
Héma-Québec must collect an average of 1,000 blood donations every day to meet needs.
Citizens can make an appointment on the Héma-Québec website or by calling 1 800 343-7264.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews