Héma-Québec congratulates Dr. Francine Décary

Montréal, May 6, 2013 – Héma-Québec congratulates Dr. Francine Décary, the guiding force of the organization from 1998 to 2011, on being inducted as an Officer of the Order of Canada last Friday. The Order of Canada recognizes a lifetime of achievement, exceptional dedication to the community and extraordinary service to the country.

A scientific researcher and dynamic manager, Dr. Décary quickly propelled Héma-Québec to the forefront of excellence. She introduced a unique approach to the field of transfusion services by melding an entrepreneurial culture with a scientific culture. In just a few years, she succeeded in positioning Héma-Québec as one of the safest and most reliable suppliers of blood products in the world. Under her guidance, Héma-Québec also became a supplier of human tissue and created Québec’s first public cord blood bank.

“Dr. Décary’s career is both exceptional and inspiring. Her significant contribution to the field of transfusion medicine has been recognized nationally and internationally. She helped put the blood system on a solid footing”, said Jean De Serres, president and CEO of Héma-Québec.

The many honours bestowed on Dr. Décary during her career include the Prix du Médecin de cœur et d’action (Physician in heart and in deed)(1999), the Ortho Award (2002), the Medal for the International Merit of Blood (2002), the Prix du Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec in the category of “manager or professional, public or parapublic organization” awarded by Hydro-Québec (2003), the Woman of Distinction Award (2004) from the Women’s Y Foundation of Montréal, the Armand-Frappier Award from the Prix du Québec (2005) and the Order of Québec (2008), each in turn a tribute to this great researcher, able manager and exceptional woman. About Héma-Québec 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; to 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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Information:

Héma-Québec
Media Line | 514-832-0871
www.hema-quebec.qc.ca