First National Blood Donor Week & World Blood Donor Day

[Doug Mylie]

The week of June 9, 2008 is the first National Blood Donor Week recognized by the Government of Canada. The week, culminating June 14 on World Blood Donor Day, is an opportunity to thank volunteer donors for their gift. This year's theme, "Many Happy Returns", was chosen to highlight the importance of committed, lifelong donors, and the many opportunities to save lives through blood donation in the course of a year.

Thank a blood donor today!

Last spring, the federal government passed a bill making National Blood Donor week "official." The bill was initially brought forward in the Senate in 2005 by Liberal Senator Terry Mercer and co-sponsor Conservative Senator Ethel Cochrane (Newfoundland and Labrador). Navdeep Bains, MP (Mississauga-Brampton South) sponsored the Senate Bill in the House of Commons where all parties supported it.

Canadian family and friends of patients can call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) today to book an appointment to give blood.

[Neil Cuadra]

Bravo for Canada and Canadian blood donors!

How many AA/MDS/PNH patients have been saved by directed and/or anonymous blood donations? Plenty of them! That list includes my wife and some of my friends, so I'm glad to thank blood donors whenever I meet them.