Attracting new donors is a top priority for Canadian Blood Services. The goal is to attract 100,000 new donors across Canada this fiscal year, and so far they've only attracted 45,000 new donors. Canadian Blood Services still hopes to secure another 55,000 by the end of March.

Manitoba Territory Manager Steve Raisen, says in general, the blood supply is doing fine, but there is an on-going need for new donors to make appointments in the near future.

Raisen says one of the reasons the need for new donors is so great is changes in eligibility. He says as of December 2016, instead of having to wait 56 days in between donations, woman now have to wait 84 days. "As a result, there's a gap in terms of the donation," added Raisen.

In addition, in the best interest of the donor, Raisen says minimum hemoglobin requirements will also be going up. Both changes creating a greater need.

Raisen says they're definitely seeing new donors walking into the clinics, but not as many as they'd like. "We find that most folks who aren't currently donating, don't donate because they've never been asked, or they weren't aware there was a need for blood donations."

Raisen notes they are in need of all types of blood, but the most in demand is O-Negative.

Meanwhile, Canadian Blood Services would like to see its Partners for Life program catch on in a bigger way in areas of Southern Manitoba. "We've made some inroad, but we're definitely looking for increased participation from businesses, specifically in Winkler and Steinbach."

Partners for Life gives an opportunity for organizations and businesses to join with Canadian Blood Services to support and promote community blood donation. "It's very flexible for how they (organizations) want to be involved. Some are being involved in "adopting" clinics, and that is taking some responsibility for a specific clinic.

In the Pembina Valley, a mobile clinic will be held Thursday, Jan 26 at the Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church.