Donations have fallen about 20 per cent since early June according to Canadian Blood Services.
Canadian Blood Services is urging Kingston residents to book appointments as the blood supply faces a sharper-than-usual summer decline.
The organization says donations have fallen about 20 per cent since early June, leaving limited supplies of several blood types.
Community Development Manager Debbie Barfoot says the drop has gone beyond the seasonal slowdown normally seen during vacation season.
Barfoot says hospitals rely on a steady flow of donations for surgeries, cancer care, trauma cases and other treatments.
She says one serious emergency can require many units of blood, making every appointment important.
Kingston’s permanent donor centre is located at 850 Gardiners Road. Barfoot says Saturdays have been especially difficult for attracting donors.
New and returning donors can check eligibility and book through blood.ca, the GiveBlood app or 1-888-TO-DONATE.
The full appointment usually takes about 45 minutes, while donating often takes between five and 10 minutes.
Donated blood is tested, separated into products and sent to hospitals, where short shelf lives require constant replacement throughout the year.
Officials are asking eligible Kingston residents to make and keep appointments before supplies fall further.
Story by Bob Perreault
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