Canadian Blood Services experienced a 20 percent decrease in blood supply since June, leading to the sharing of messaging that encouraged people to donate. Canadians respond to drop in blood supply Business development manager for Canadian Blood Services in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Lisa Beechinor, says they saw an overwhelming response to the campaign, with 6,700 new donors responding to the call. "Canadian Blood Services has seen a huge outpouring of support for blood donations and plasma donations from coast to coast. We're so incredibly grateful that people across Canada have stepped up to help and taken quick action to support patients." However, Beechinor says they're starting to again see a dip in appointments. She reminds Canadians that blood and blood products are essential to medical procedures, treatments, and emergency medical care. Blood plasma and platelets become immunoglobins which are used in cancer treatments and other medications. "A heart surgery to take up to five donors. If there's a car crash, it can take up to 50 donors to help save a patient. Plasma is used in cancer treatments and blood disorders." "The need for blood is constant. Donated blood only lasts 42 days with the majority being used the first five days. That's why it's really essential that we have new and regular donors to help ensure that blood and blood products are available when patients need it." Beechinor says blood diversity remains a constant goal, as Canada's population becomes more diverse, the types of blood and blood products available must reflect the nations diversity. She encourages everyone from a diverse background to consider becoming a donor. "Canadians did step up when we put the call out for new donors. The long weekend is coming this weekend. And we are seeing a dip in appointments again. If you're near a centre, if you're near Regina or any other centre, please feel free to make your appointment and come in." Related Stories: 'There is no substitute for blood' Weyburn continues historic support for Canadian Blood Services Saving lives starts with a swab: Canadian Blood Services seeks to diversity stem cell registry Southeast families affected by loss of Regina pediatric diabetes care Residents encouraged to donate blood From first-time donors to regular donors, anyone can book a donation appointment through the Give Blood app or Blood.ca. Beechinor says there are full-time clinics in bigger centres as well as mobile clinics that move within smaller communities, including Weyburn, on a three-month cycle. "Weyburn is a phenomenal community, and you guys contribute about 600 units every single year, which is spectacular." Beechinor says donating blood is a simple process, that only takes about an hour from start to finish. Potential donors can check their eligibility online as certain medications or conditions may affect whether a person can donate. Travelling, tattoos, and piercings can also temporarily affect eligibility. The organization prefers appointments are booked ahead of times, but many clinics can take walk-ins if there are open chairs. "We give you a salty snack, some water, you answer some more questions, we make sure everything's good. You sit in a chair anywhere from five minutes to 14 minutes, depending on how long it takes you to donate and then after that, we give you sweet snacks and you're on your way." "During that appointment, you save up to three lives, which is a remarkable thing to do in one hour of your day." Men can donate every 56 days, and woman can donate every 84 days.