Stormy weather, power outages and travel challenges over the past few days have left the country’s blood supply in need of help.

Canadian Blood Services says there is an immediate need for donors from all communities to book and keep appointments and help restore and grow the blood and plasma supply this winter.

There’s a shortfall of about 1,500 collections—about 10 per cent of the expected number.

Rick Prinzen, the agency’s chief supply chain officer, says they have had to cancel many collection events since December 20. As well, donors have had difficulty meeting their scheduled appointments.

The national inventory has declined by over 35 per cent since the start of October according to CBS. Currently, they have three or four days on hand of several blood types but the ideal inventory of fresh blood is between five and eight days.

The critical need is for platelets and O-negative blood.