Canadian Blood Services says severe winter weather disrupted collections and its calling for people across the country to donate blood or plasma as soon as they can.

In a news release, CBS says both winter conditions and seasonal illness have taken a toll on blood and plasma collections; they have had appointments being cancelled, meanwhile major storms and extreme cold conditions this week disrupted regular blood and plasma collections in many parts of the country.

“Hospitals have the blood they need today, but that could change if we are not able to collect a consistent supply. Ron Vezina, vice president of donor engagement for Canadian Blood Services said, “In the last six days alone, we have collected 1,500 fewer donations than we were counting on, because severe weather forced cancellations.”

He points out that while hospitals might have the blood they need today, that can change if they can’t collect a consistent supply.

Canadian Blood Services says O-negative blood is especially needed because it plays a critical role in emergency care. It is compatible with all blood types and can be given to any patient. In emergency situations, when seconds count, and there is no time to check blood type, hospital patients receive O-negative blood.