Health and Community Services
June 9, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians Encouraged to Roll Up Their Sleeves and Give

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to recognize National Blood Donor Week and the valuable work of Canadian Blood Services. This week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible generosity of blood donors across the country and here in Newfoundland and Labrador for their lifesaving contributions.

National Blood Donor Week is also a time to remind everybody about the ongoing need for new donors. Approximately 420,000 Canadians rolled up their sleeves to donate blood last year. To meet demand, Canadian Blood Services regularly collects about 17,000 units of blood per week. As demand increases, close to 1,600 new donors are needed each week to ensure patients can be helped now and into the future.

Mr. Speaker, all of us likely know someone who has been impacted by the need for blood components like red blood cells, platelets and plasma or blood products such as Immune Globulin for immune deficiencies or factor concentrates for bleeding disorders. The theme for this year is Share More. By donating, you are sharing what truly matters most � the gift of life. These donations ensure that many patients are given the chance to live and share more time with family, friends and loved ones.

I want to applaud the hard work and efforts of Canadian Blood Services, the organization which is responsible for the supply of blood and blood products in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec. The organization operates 41 permanent collection sites and more than 21,000 donor clinics annually. Our government provides Canadian Blood Services with approximately $22.5 million annually to help manage and provide blood components and blood products to patients in Newfoundland and Labrador hospitals and treatment programs.

To schedule a donation, individuals can contact Canadian Blood Services toll-free at 1-888-2-DONATE, visit the blood.ca website or download the GiveBlood app. As Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, we are known for our generosity. I call on my Honourable colleagues and all residents who are able to donate blood to do so. After all, it�s in you to give.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2015 06 09                             1:50 p.m.