Blood donors answer the call: a summer full of life for nearly 72,000 people

From June 13 to September 4, 71,615 donors stepped forward to make this season a summer full of life by taking part in one of the 520 blood drives organized by Héma-Québec to maintain an optimal blood supply for all Quebecers.

Summer is always a critical time for the supply of blood products, but demand this year was especially high. There was a 5% increase in the need for blood over last year. To meet demand, Héma-Québec had to collect 6,000 more blood donations this summer alone. Thanks to the generosity of donors, and especially the 7,670 new donors who gave blood for the first time, this goal was met. Héma-Québec was also able to meet the increased demand from hospitals thanks to the mobilization of blood drive organizing committees and volunteers who overwhelmingly answered the call.

Donors are invited to continue giving generously since the demand for blood remains high this fall. Opportunities to give blood exist every day of the week at one of the organized mobile blood drives or at GLOBULE Blood Donor Centres in Centre Laval and Place Versailles in Montréal, and Place Laurier in Québec City.

Each blood donation is vital to help save lives. Every 80 seconds, someone in Québec needs blood. All healthy individuals who are 18 years of age or older and who meet Héma-Québec's eligibility criteria can give blood every 56 days or six times a year. To learn more about making a blood donation, call 1 800 343-SANG (7264) or visit Héma-Québec's website at www.hema-quebec.qc.ca.

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