Canadian Blood Services is looking for more blood donors after announcing their new, stricter iron guidelines.

To ensure the health and wellness of current donors, women will have to wait longer between blood donations and men will need to pass a higher hemoglobin test.

Starting December 10, the time between donations for women will increase to 12 weeks from eight weeks. Beginning March 5, the minimum hemoglobin level for men will increase to 130 g/L from 125 g/L.

The changes are being put in place to ensure current donors maintain safe iron and hemoglobin levels.

With the new stricter guidelines however, the Canadian Blood Services needs 100,000 new donors from across the country.

"Many donors will not be able to donate as often, so others must step forward to fill this gap by giving blood and encouraging friends and family to make giving a part of their lives," said Mark Donnison, Vice-President of donor relations with the Canadian Blood Services in a press release.

Around half of Canadians are eligible to donate but only one in 60 gives blood. Less than 400,000 Canadians donate blood regularly.

To donate blood or find out if you're eligible, click here.