Message from the Minister of Health: World Blood Donor Day

What can you do? Give Blood. Give Now. Give Often.
Ottawa, ON   June 14, 2017

Blood is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. While almost half of Canadians are eligible to give blood, only a small percentage donate each year. This year, we celebrate World Blood Donor Day with the important theme: “What can you do? Give Blood. Give Now. Give Often.”

With the support of Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec, you can give blood easily, comfortably and safely in about an hour. That single blood donation can help save the lives of up to three Canadians.

Canada’s blood supply is recognized as one of the safest in the world, and continues to meet national standards in safety through strong processes for donor screening, sterilization, lab testing, storage and monitoring. The Government of Canada works with provinces, territories, Canadian Blood Services, Héma-Québec, health professionals, and other partners to ensure that continued high quality of the Canadian blood system.

I encourage all Canadians to visit Canada.ca to find out more about blood donations and how to become a donor. There are many ways to book your donations: through the GiveBlood App, a traditional appointment booking or by participating in a blood drive. Visit blood.ca (call 1-888-2-Donate) or Héma-Québec's website (call 1 800 343-SANG [7264]) for more information on when and where you can donate. You can save a life by giving blood now and giving blood often.

The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P.