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Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health
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World Blood Donor Day
June 14, 2011
Year after year, the need for blood donations continues to grow. As Minister of Health, I would like to thank all Canadians who contribute each year to the health of their families, friends, neighbours and fellow citizens through the simple, yet generous, act of giving blood.
Every year on June 14, World Blood Donor Day is an opportunity to remind Canadians that it's important to keep giving blood. The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2011 is, "More blood. More life." It underlines the fact that there is an urgent need for more people all over the world to become life-savers by volunteering to donate blood regularly.
More importantly, it is a special day dedicated to celebrating and thanking the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who voluntarily give their time and their blood and, in so doing, give the gift of life.
We are fortunate in Canada to have access to high quality blood and blood products. However, we need to increase Canada's blood donation rates. Every Canadian who donates whole blood up to six times a year can improve the quality of life of as many as 18 people.
The need for blood is always greater over long weekends and winter and summer holiday seasons. During those times, regular donors may be away or too busy with other activities to maintain their regular donation schedule.
As we celebrate World Blood Donor Day, the Government of Canada encourages all Canadians to join this worldwide effort and consider donating blood to help save lives.
Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
