Canadian Blood Services says it is experiencing a critical supply shortage, as the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the smallest donor base in a decade.

Rick Prinzen, chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations for Canadian Blood Services, says that since the start of the pandemic, the number of Canadians that donate regularly has decreased by 31,000.

Frozen plasma lasts a year, red blood cells last 42 days, and platelets last five days, so people need to continue to donate to ensure that supply meets demand.

This week is national blood donor week, and Canadian Blood Services is hoping to attract 100,000 new donors this year.

For more information on blood donation, visit blood.ca