Media advisory - Minister of Health Kicks off Canadian Blood Services Holiday Campaign

Minister Ambrose to promote blood donation and host reception on Parliament Hill

OTTAWA, Dec 3, 2014 /CNW/ -

WHAT:	Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Federal Minister of Health, will join Canadian Blood Services CEO Dr. Graham D. Sher, in officially launching its annual holiday campaign - Wrap It Up Red.
	The campaign will encourage Canadians to donate blood and register to become an organ and tissue donor during the holiday season. Collecting blood during the holiday season can be challenging as many donors are travelling or are busy with family.
	Minister Ambrose, MP Ted Opitz, Laureen Harper and colleagues will attend an Ottawa blood donor clinic to promote blood donation. Minister Ambrose will then cohost a reception on Parliament Hill with other parliamentarians and dignitaries to encourage Canadians to give a gift of life this holiday season.
WHO:	Minister Rona Ambrose, MP Ted Opitz, Laureen Harper, and colleagues along with Dr. Graham  D. Sher, CEO of Canadian Blood Services.
	Mackenzie Curran, a 17 year old stem cell recipient will also speak on the importance of being a blood donor and of joining Canadian Blood Services' OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network.
WHEN:	Wednesday, December 3, 2014
	Photo opportunity only at blood donor clinic: 3:50 pm
	Speeches, interviews and reception on Parliament Hill: 7:15 pm
WHERE:	Canadian Blood Services Blood Donor Clinic
	1575 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario
	Parliament Hill Reception Room B16 East Block Ottawa, ON

To book an appointment today, download the GiveBlood app, visit blood.ca  or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236 6283).

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, is establishing Canada's (excluding Quebec) national public cord blood bank and supports leading practices development, professional education and public awareness for organ and tissue donation and transplantation. In addition, Canadian Blood Services purchases manufactured plasma protein products, contributes to transfusion medicine research and provides diagnostic services in some provinces. It operates 41 permanent collection sites and more than 21,000 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.

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SOURCE: Canadian Blood Services

Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]