This summer, make the move from being a potential donor to an active donor!

MONTREAL, June 14 /CNW Telbec/ - As part of the third National Blood Donor Week, which starts today and ends on June 20, Héma-Québec would like to remind the public about the importance of giving blood and thank all those who contribute to this cause.

National Blood Donor Week takes place in the wake of World Blood Donor Day, which is celebrated every June 14. This year, the theme for both events is Youth: New Blood for the World.

In addition to highlighting the fundamental role played by blood donors with respect to their fellow citizens, National Blood Donor Week appeals to the younger generation to ensure the sustainability of the collective reserve.

"As a result of the limited life of blood products, maintaining Québec's blood reserve at a sufficient level is a real challenge. Every day, no fewer than 1,000 blood donations are required to satisfy the hospitals' needs," said Dr. Francine Décary, President and Chief Executive Officer of Héma-Québec.

In Québec, some 16,000 volunteers and 300,000 donors contribute each year to maintaining the collective reserve managed by Héma-Québec.

"During National Blood Donor Week, Héma-Québec honours the men and women who cultivate the giving of oneself and help some 80,000 patients receive blood transfusions each year," added Dr. Décary.

Summer campaign launch

National Blood Donor Week is also the starting point for Héma-Québec's summer campaign. During the summer period, it is often more difficult to reach the donors. Good news: this summer, Héma-Québec can count not only on the support of billboard features but also on real spokespeople.

Media hosts Sébastien Benoit and Pénélope McQuade, and athlete and businessman Bruny Surin, will discuss the importance of giving blood for the community in the media, each in their own manner. Whether they are doing it as a recipient, a donor or an active citizen, the three personalities are working for a cause that saves lives.

To view images shot during the photo session for the spokespeople, visit our web site at www.hema-quebec.qc.ca and click on National Blood Donor Week tab.

About Héma-Québec

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

Héma-Québec counts 1,300 employees, some 2,000 blood drives and more than 300,000 blood donors every year, 16,000 partner volunteers and more than 485,000 blood products annually delivered to hospitals in Quebec to fulfill patients' needs.

Give blood. Give life.

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For further information: Valérie Legault, Information Officer, 514-832-0871, [email protected]; www.hema-quebec.qc.ca; Source: Julie Vaudry, Writer