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Summer is a busy time.

People have holiday plans and are away from home for a prolonged period of time and it impacts a host of regular activities and services in all of our communities.

The Canadian Blood Services is one of those services affected by people being away as they are not around for their regular blood donations.

A big drive is on the next two weeks by Canadian Blood Services who is seeking to receive 22,000 donors nationwide by Aug. 26 including as many as possible here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

These donations will help ensure the national blood inventory can meet patient needs for the rest of summer.

“While Canadians enjoy summer pastimes leading up to and during the last long weekend of the season, we’re urging them to add blood donation to their plans,” Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations said in a news release Monday.

All donors are urged to get involved, particularly donors with Type O blood that is always in demand by hospitals because it is the only type compatible with all other blood types.

In an emergency, when seconds count and there is no time to check blood type, patients receive O-negative blood.

“Giving blood is a lifesaving habit that will make a real difference in a stranger’s life,” Prinzen said in the release.

“New donors are fundamental to meeting Canada’s blood needs over the longer term. If every donor brings a friend to donate, or encourages others to give life, they can have a tremendous impact on the supply system. We are urging people to donate by Aug. 26,” he added.

When to donate

Canadian Blood Services location at 7 Wicklow St., in St. John’s is open for donations as follows: Tuesday: 3-7 p.m. Wednesday: 3-7 p.m. Thursday: 9-3 p.m. Friday: 9-1 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

People who cannot donate blood can encourage others in their networks to give on their behalf. Making an appointment to donate has never been easier.

Visit blood.ca, download our GiveBlood app or call 1-888-2-DONATE to find a nearby donation site. Walk in appointments are also available at all locations.

Canadian Blood Services operates Canada’s blood supply in a manner that gains the trust, commitment and confidence of all Canadians by providing a safe, secure, cost-effective, affordable and accessible supply of quality blood, blood products and their alternatives.

Canadian Blood Services is one of the Health and Allied Services in St. John’s, located at 7 Wicklow St.

Making an appointment to donate is easy and can be done at blood.ca, by downloading the GiveBlood app or calling 1-888-2-DONATE and find a nearby donation site.

Walk in appointments are also available at this and all locations.

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