(Montreal) On the occasion of National Blood Donor Week, Héma-Québec is calling on donors to replenish its reserves before the summer period, when blood donations are usually less numerous.
Awareness week, which takes place from June 12 to 18, aims to remind citizens of the importance of donating blood all year round.
“Right now, the weather is nice, it’s vacation time, it’s easy to forget to do your civic duty,” says Patrice Lavoie, director of public relations at Héma-Québec.
The organization particularly needs blood donations from people whose blood type is O negative, since they are a universal donor. Mr. Lavoie reiterates, however, that Héma-Québec seeks all types of donors, and that each donation is important.
“Currently the reserves are at a correct level, are at a satisfactory level. That said, we still feel a slight slowdown in the grip [de rendez-vous pour des] donations. We ask people to donate blood, donate plasma, donate platelets,” says Mr. Lavoie.
He reminds us that donating blood is rather quick. It takes about 20 minutes to donate blood, and 30 to 45 minutes to donate plasma.
Patrice Lavoie appeals to new donors, telling them to try the experience with a loved one who has already made a donation. “If you are a donor, bring someone from your family or your entourage,” he adds.
The director of public relations reminds that it is possible to make an appointment online at a permanent donation center, and that several mobile collections will also be held in the coming weeks.
Héma-Québec distributes nearly 1,000 blood donations every day in Quebec hospitals, according to the organization.