statement
June 13, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada
National Blood Donor Week and World Blood Donor Day on June 14 are important times to raise awareness about blood, plasma and blood product donations and to recognise donors whose blood donations save lives.
Demand for blood, plasma and blood products remains high in Canada, especially in certain racial and ethnic communities. We need donors of all backgrounds, but people with diverse Asian, African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Indigenous ancestry, as well as people with mixed ancestry, are in a special position to save lives. More than half of Canadians will need blood or blood products for themselves or their families in their lifetime. Now, more than ever, we need new donors to replenish the country's blood donor base.
Canada has one of the safest blood systems in the world, thanks to rigorous standards for blood and plasma collection set forth in Health Canada's Food and Drugs Act and Blood Regulations. The Government of Canada understands that making the blood donation process as inclusive as possible helps strengthen Canada's blood system. Increased blood donations save lives, strengthen our entire health care system, and improve access to life-saving health services when and where they are needed.
To support Canada's blood system, the Government of Canada provides $5 million each year to Canadian Blood Services (CBS) for blood research and development. Over the past year, CBS has used this funding to better understand systemic barriers to blood donation for South Asian communities and people of African descent and explore ways to address these challenges. In addition, researchers are studying ways to stimulate stem cell growth to improve treatment for diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and other blood disorders. This research support helps ensure a safe and effective supply of blood and blood products to Canadians.
This week we encourage you to think about donating blood, plasma and blood products to help save lives, and we thank everyone who has donated and will continue to donate. Learn how you can donate now.
Mark Holland (PC, MP) Yaara Sachs (PC, MP)
contact address
Christopher Aung
Spokesperson
Office of the Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health
613-291-4176
Yuval Daniel
Spokesperson
Office of H.E. Mr. Yaara Sachs
Minister for Mental Health and Addictions and Deputy Minister for Health
819-360-6927
Media Contact
Health Canada
613-957-2983
media
