Canadian Blood Services campaigns for more donors as new, stricter guidelines take effect

It's the season of giving, and Canadian Blood Services(CBS) says there's no gift greater than a blood donation.

More than 50,000 new blood donors are needed by the end of March 2017 to maintain the national blood supply. The demand comes after Canadian Blood Services implemented new iron guidelines that have reduced the number of times women can donate per year.

As of Dec.10, female donors have to wait an extra four weeks between blood donations to allow iron levels to recover, according to David Patterson, director of donor relations forCanadian Blood Services B.C.and Yukon region.

• Canadian Blood Services announces new, stricter iron guidelines for donors

"Instead of donating every 56 days, they're [now] donating every 84 days," he told guesthostGregor Craigieon CBC'sBC Almanac.

"While that's a great decision for the health of female donors, it leaves us in the place of needing more new donors to fill in those appointments."

The change does not apply to male donors, however, as CBS says thatmale donors can maintain safe levels of iron when donating every 56 days.

The need for new donors

According to CBS, 55,000 new donors are needed by March 2017in the wake of the recent policy.

Patterson says a portion of the demand isalso due to a number of regular blood donors who find themselves unable to donate because of other restrictions,including international travel, recreational drug useand tattoos.

"We need new donors to fill in the spots that those folks would otherwise occupy and donate," he said.

Patterson says CBS is also working towardchanging restrictive and heavily-criticized policies against men who have sex with men.

CBS currently requires themto go one year without sexual contact before they can donate.

The policy isthe subject of a human rights complainton the grounds of discrimination.

• Gay activist files federal human rights complaint over blood-donation wait period

Patterson says CBS will be holding a summit early next year to explore how the policy might be changed using new technologies.

"We continue to work to evolve our policy in this area ... we are trying to find that balance between making sure we have that safe, secure blood supply that people can rely on, and having as many peopledonateas possible."

With files from CBC's BC Almanac

To listen to the full interview, click on the audio labelled:Stricter guidelines has Canadian Blood Services campaigning for more donors