Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

World Blood Donor Day

June 14, 2012

Every year, on June 14, we celebrate World Blood Donor Day to raise awareness of our need for safe blood and blood products. This year's theme, Every Blood Donor is a Hero, reminds us that giving blood is a selfless, life-saving act, and encourages us to volunteer to donate blood regularly.

As Minister of Health, I would like to thank those who donate their blood to help save the lives of others.

Canadians are fortunate to have access to high-quality blood and blood products, but our need for blood continues to grow. At least a million Canadians rely on the blood system to provide products to keep them alive and healthy, and many more may require transfusions at some point in their lives, as a result of surgery or an accident.

The need for blood is always greater over long weekends, during public holidays, and in the summer.  During those times, regular donors may be away or too busy with other activities to maintain their regular donation schedule. So, it is important that we all do our part to help increase Canada's blood donation rates.

 Every Canadian who donates blood, up to six times a year, can improve the quality of life for as many as 18 people.

As we celebrate World Blood Donor Day, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I would also like to thank Canadian Blood Services, Héma-Québec, and the provincial and territorial governments for their continued work to enhance the safety of the blood supply for Canadians. We applaud current donors and encourage all Canadians to support blood drives, visit a bloodmobile, or regularly donate blood to help save lives.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada