Health and Community Services
December 22, 2014

Saving Lives by Remembering to Donate

Residents Encouraged to Donate Much Needed Blood

The people of Newfoundland and Labrador are strongly encouraged to donate blood. While blood is greatly needed all year round, there is a regular shortage during the holiday season when donors are often very busy.

“Every time a person gives blood he or she is absolutely saving a life. It is necessary that the people of Newfoundland and Labrador keep donating throughout the year and especially during the holiday season. Blood has a short shelf life of only 42 days, so even if there is a surplus, we cannot afford to stop donating at any time. During this busy and social time of the year, remember the critical importance of blood and the true gift that it brings.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

The Department of Health and Community Services works closely with Canadian Blood Services to maintain the blood collection system in Newfoundland and Labrador. Constant replenishment is necessary to meet patient demands and with the holiday season falling on a Thursday and Friday (December 25 and 26), for 2014, the need will be even greater to cover the extended period through to Monday, December 29.

“As Newfoundlanders and Labradorians we are recognized around the world for our sense of charity and our collective giving spirit. We all know, or have been impacted by, someone going through surgery, chemotherapy, trauma, or illness who requires blood components and blood products. Some patients require blood transfusions every 21 days. These people rely on the generosity of blood donors.”
- Minister Kent

To arrange a donation at a nearby clinic, residents are urged to contact Canadian Blood Services by telephone at 1-888-2-DONATE (366283), or online at www.blood.ca External link.

Canadian Blood Services is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization that manages the supply of blood and blood products in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec. Canadian Blood Services operates 41 permanent collection sites and more than 21,000 donor clinics annually.

QUICK FACTS

  • Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are strongly encouraged to donate blood.
  • While blood is greatly needed all year round, there is a regular shortage during the holiday season when donors are often very busy.
  • Blood has a short shelf life of only 42 days and so it is important to maintain a steady in-flow of donations.
  • With the holiday season falling on a Thursday and Friday (December 25 and 26) for 2014, the need will be even greater to cover the extended period through to Monday, December 29.
  • To arrange a donation at a nearby clinic, residents are urged to contact Canadian Blood Services in person, by telephone at 1-888-2-DONATE (366283), or online at www.blood.ca External link.

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Media contact:
Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 725-6511
hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca

2014 12 22                                        2:20 p.m.