Prince George, B.C. – The 17th annual Interior Drive for Life is in the home stretch with Kelowna and Prince George running neck-and-neck.

“We’re doing very well but we are still trailing behind Kelowna They are sitting at 101% of their (donation) target and we’re sitting at 98%,” says Amy Erickson, territory manager for Canadian Blood Services.

She says the friendly competition wraps up October 30th and notes that blood inventory has risen locally and nationally about 20% since issuing a national appeal the end of last month.

“The inventory is looking better right now and we’ve had this big influx of donors coming into the clinic the past three weeks which has been wonderful but what’s a little bit worrisome is we haven’t seen as strong re-booking rates as we’d like to see.”

Erickson says if that happens “we could be back in the same situation if we don’t work hard bringing donors back after their first donation.”

She says it’s been a struggle maintaining a healthy stock of blood and says it’s something the organization is currently doing research on.

“What’s leading to high no-shows and cancellations?”

Locally Erickson says it likely has something to do with their hours and the fact “not everyone is able to book an hour and a half off work to donate blood.”

But she notes donating blood is critical to avoid the shortages seen last month which nearly led to the cancellation of some surgeries.

Erickson says you can help by calling 1-888-2-Donate, by visiting www.blood.ca or by downloading their give blood app.