Western Health, one of four health authorities in Newfoundland and Labrador, will pledge its commitment to help save lives by donating blood as a member of Canadian Blood Services’ “Partners for Life” Program. The life-saving partnership will be announced today as Canadian Blood Services also kicks off the annual holiday campaign titled “Because giving blood is the most precious gift."
Dr. Minnie Wasmeier Chief Operating Officer, Secondary Services, Western Health will be at the Canadian Blood Services blood donor clinic at 3 Herald Avenue today at 2 pm to accept the Partners for Life certificate from Elizabeth Hollett, Community Development Coordinator, Canadian Blood Services.
“Partners for Life” is a corporate community program that provides a vital connection between hospital patients and community organizations across the country. As a member of this program, Western Health’s more than 3,200 health care and support services professionals and families and friends have made the commitment to donate blood to help those whose lives depend on blood and blood products.
“Canadian Blood Services is honoured to welcome Western Health to our ‘Partners for Life’ family,” says Peter MacDonald, Director of Donor and Clinic Services, Canadian Blood Services Atlantic. “On average, every 60 seconds someone in Canada requires blood, and since it has a limited shelf life, demand is constant. Western Health employees, who serve more than 82,000 people in the Western region, see first hand every day the important role that blood and blood products play to help hospital patients on their road to recovery.”
“Western Health is committed to its vision of having the highest level of health and well being possible, and this partnership with Canadian Blood Services is another way for us to help make a meaningful difference in the lives of hospital patients in our community,” says Dr. Minnie Wasmeier, Chief Operating Officer, Secondary Services, Western Health. “We have made a commitment to make 50 donations over the next 12 months, but I'm sure that we can surpass that number. We are proud to partner with Canadian Blood Services and help meet the growing need for blood and blood products. We are proud to help save lives by donating blood!”
Today’s announcement comes at a vitally important time. Canadian Blood Services is asking Canadians to give the most precious gift this holiday season by donating blood to help ensure that it is available nationally to those who may need it. The holiday season is traditionally a challenge for the blood system since hospitals continue to draw on the supply of blood and blood products, while some donors, preoccupied with holiday activities, do not continue to replenish the supply. This year, Canadian Blood Services estimates it will need to collect over 78,000 units of blood nationally between December 1 and January 2 to help meet hospital needs.
Being a donor, volunteer, community partner or sponsor in Canada’s blood system is a rewarding experience. Anyone interested in becoming a blood donor should contact Canadian Blood Services at 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283) or visit www.blood.ca. The Canadian Blood Services blood donor clinic in Corner Brook is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, and 4 – 7 pm.
About Canadian Blood Services
Canadian Blood Services is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization that manages the supply of blood and blood products in all provinces and territories outside of Quebec. Canadian Blood Services also oversees the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network, and provides national leadership for organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Canadian Blood Services operates 40 permanent collection sites and more than 20,000 donor clinics annually. The provincial and territorial Ministries of Health provide operational funding to Canadian Blood Services. The federal government, through Health Canada, is responsible for regulating the blood system. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.blood.ca.
About Western Health
Western Health is one of four regional integrated health authorities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Western Health is responsible for the delivery of acute, long term and community based services and serves a population of over 82,000 residents. Western Health’s geographical boundaries are from Port aux Basques southeast to Francois, northwest to Bartlett’s Harbour, and on the eastern boundary north to Jackson’s Arm. In addition, Western Health operates the Western Regional School of Nursing, one of three provincial sites that offer a four-year baccalaureate degree in nursing. This program is offered in collaboration with Memorial University of Newfoundland. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.westernhealth.nl.ca
For more information contact:
Paul McGrath
Regional Manager, Communications
Canadian Blood Services Atlantic
T – 709 758 8075
C – 709 690 0484
E – paul.mcgrath@blood.ca
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Communications
Western Health
T - 709-637-5252
E - heidistaebensimmons@westernhealth.nl.ca