Héma-Québec shuts down blood drive

Montréal, January 25, 2006 – Montréal, January 25, 2006 – In order to maintain the safety of the blood product reserve, Héma-Québec has decided to shut down the blood drive that was in full swing today at McGill University’s William Shatner University Centre (3480 McTavish Street).

This decision became necessary after an anonymous note encouraging potential donors to lie on their blood donation questionnaire was posted within the premises of the Centre. The blood drive had begun at 9:30 a.m. and was to end at 6:30 p.m., with a goal of 180 donors.

If receiving blood is a right, giving it is a privilege. It is of paramount importance to have a safe blood system in Québec. With this in mind, Héma-Québec has a duty to qualify each donor. The eligibility criteria for giving blood are not value judgements. They are safety measures established by the scientific community and advisory committees. The blood donation questionnaire remains an essential means for ensuring the maximum safety of the blood supply.

Héma-Québec was created in September 1998 to efficiently provide adequate quantities of safe, optimal blood components, substitutes, human tissues and cord blood to meet the needs of all Quebecers; and provide and develop expertise along with specialized and innovative services and products in the fields of transfusion medicine and human tissue transplantation

Give blood. Give life.

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