35,000 blood donors expected during Héma-Québec’s holiday campaign

Montréal, December 1, 2003 - Under this year's theme of From Me to You, Héma-Québec's holiday season campaign will take place from December 1, 2003 to January 11, 2004. During this time, Héma-Québec hopes to welcome 35,000 donors at the some 200 blood drives that will be organized with community partners throughout Québec.

Héma-Québec would like to remind the public that there is a constant need for blood during the holiday period. "At this time of year, Quebeckers are invited to add a donation of blood to their list of presents. Each donation is a priceless gift for those who need blood, as it can help save four lives," emphasizes Dr. Francine Décary, Chief Executive Officer of Héma-Québec. Among the blood drives with the highest objectives should be noted that of the City of Montréal on December 9, when 1,175 donors are expected, and the TQS Québec drive on December 17, which has a goal of 450 donors.

Blood continues to be an essential, perishable and irreplaceable product. Anyone who is in good health can give blood. An individual giving blood for the very first time must be between 18 and 60 years old. Those who give blood regularly can continue to do so until they are 70. Eligible donors can give blood every 56 days, or six times a year.

Since its creation in September 1998, Héma-Québec has welcomed 1,400,000 donors at 9,000 blood drives organized in collaboration with community partners throughout Québec. Last year alone, Héma-Québec delivered more than 400,000 blood products to hospitals in order to meet patients' needs.

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

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