Héma-Québec is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and over the years its field has evolved enormously.
“We always need donors, especially as the holiday season approaches,” says Patrice Lavoie, public relations director at Héma-Québec.
EMMANUEL DELACOUR/24 HOURS/AGENCE QMI
He also reiterates that the number of donors is growing, but so is the demand.
“Instead of donating a tie that people don’t wear, why not donate blood products?” said Mr. Lavoie. “It allows us to save lives and do something for someone we don’t know but who needs it.”
Sébastien St-Jean /QMI Agency
Mr. Lavoie confirms that the need for plasma is increasing rapidly and is increasing faster than the quantity of samples taken.
“For plasma, we can come and donate every six days,” he explains. “We invite people to go to a Héma-Québec site and ask if they would be a good candidate for plasma.”
Courtesy of Photo/HÉMA-QUÉBEC
Héma-Québec meets all the needs of hospitals in Quebec. However, to address the shortage of plasma donations, hospitals must turn to our neighbors to the south.
“We cannot cover all the plasma needs here with our donors,” says Mr. Lavoie. “By sourcing different types of donors, we can be more flexible and secure our supply.”