15,500 individuals have shared a unique gift

Héma-Québec’s holiday campaign continues

Montréal, December 20, 2005 – With Christmas and New Year just around the corner, we invite the public to generously give blood at the blood drives held in many regions as well as at the GLOBULE Blood Donor Centres. Since November 28, over 15,500 people have given blood at the 110 blood drives held thus far. “Share a unique gift. Give blood. Give life.” is the theme of this year's campaign, which will continue until January 6, 2006. As part of this campaign, Héma-Québec will have organized some 200 blood drives with volunteers and various community partners in order to receive 31,000 donors throughout Québec.

“To give blood is to share a unique gift. This gift is free and anonymous, but it shows great generosity for the sick individuals who need it. During the holidays, we can offer health to those who rely on us by giving a bit of our time and our blood,” said Dr. Francine Décary, Chief Executive Officer of Héma-Québec.
Maintaining the blood reserve at a level that meets the needs of Québec’s hospitals is a daily concern. Human blood continues to be a unique and irreplaceable product. Each donation can help save up to four lives.

Any healthy individual aged 18 years and older who meets Héma-Québec's eligibility criteria can give blood every 56 days, namely six times per year. It should be noted that there is no upper age limit for giving blood in Québec. To receive more information about donating blood, on blood drives locations and schedules, donors can dial 1 800 343-7264 or visit Héma-Québec’s Web site at www.hema-quebec.qc.ca.

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

Share a unique gift.
Give blood. Give life.

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