A Terrific Sharing Chain!

Montréal, June 9, 2008 - As part of the very first edition of National Blood Donor Week, taking place June 9 to 15, 2008, Héma-Québec wants to remind everyone of the importance of giving blood and thank all the people who contribute to blood donation.

Decreed by the Parliament of Canada last February, this week will set the tone for World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on June 14 in more than 80 countries around the world. The first edition of National Blood Donor Week, which is part of World Blood Donor Day, is themed Many Happy Returns, Give Blood Frequently. This very special week is in fact the occasion to pay homage to blood, plasma and platelet donors as well as volunteers for their generosity, profound sense of civic responsibility and their commitment to blood donation.

“Blood donation relies entirely on the generosity of people willing to share their most precious possession: their health. National Blood Donor Week is the ideal occasion to raise people’s awareness of this important cause and encourage them to give blood regularly. We have to keep reminding people that blood is needed every day and that giving blood is the easiest way of saving lives,” stated Dr. Francine Décary, President and Chief Executive Officer of Héma-Québec.

Héma-Québec will be highlighting this first edition of National Blood Donor Week in various ways across Quebec, including with the introduction of a special motion at the National Assembly on June 11 by Minister of Health and Social Services Philippe Couillard.

“The need for blood is constant and the blood supply is a daily challenge to maintain the collective reserve managed by Héma-Québec for Québec’s hospitals and their patients. It goes without saying that we are lucky, here in Québec, to be able to rely on a terrific network of devoted partners, volunteers, donors and employees who make blood transfusions possible. On the occasion of this National Blood Donor Week, let’s say THANK YOU to everyone who plays a part in Québec’s blood supply system,” continued Dr. Décary.

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National Blood Donor Day special section