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08/03: Blood and cancer agencies unite for bloody battle (Prince George)
Canadian Blood Services, BC Cancer Agency kick off
13th annual Interior Drive for Life blood donor challenge
Prince George, B.C. – Canadian Blood Services today launched the 13th annual Interior Drive for Life blood donor challenge, in partnership with the BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority.
The challenge, which pits the communities of Prince George and Kelowna against each other to see which clinic can come closest to its goal, runs from August 4 to September 30.
“This challenge is one of our favourite times of year at the blood donor clinic,” says Tamara Sweet, Community Development Coordinator, Canadian Blood Services. “Not only do we get to see our blood donors’ community spirit and enthusiasm, it’s also a great opportunity for us to raise important messages and themes, such as the close link between blood products and cancer patients.”
While many immediately associate blood products with trauma patients, in reality blood products are used for many different purposes, including for cancer patients. In 2009, more than a quarter of the blood issued to the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia went towards oncology patients.
"Blood products play a necessary role in supportive care of treatment for various cancer patients," said Hal Collier, Chief Project Officer with the BC Cancer Agency Centre for the North. "The BC Cancer Agency is proud to be partnering in this year’s challenge, helping to support patients in need."
Since cancer – and the need for blood – can hit at any time throughout the year, it’s essential Canadian Blood Services collect blood every day of the year for patients in need.
“The summer months can be a difficult time of year for us,” says Sweet. “While fewer people tend to donate blood due to summer holidays and outdoor activities, we still need to collect just as much blood as other times of the year. The need for blood doesn’t take a summer vacation.”
This year’s Interior Drive for Life goal is 1,152 donations. Please call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) to book a blood donation appointment between now and 2 p.m. on September 30. The winner of this year’s challenge will be announced at the same time in both Prince George and Kelowna, at 3 p.m. on September 30.
Prince George is currently in the lead overall with six wins and one tie; Kelowna is behind with five wins and one tie.
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 42 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 www.blood.ca.
About the BC Cancer Agency
The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency. www.bccancer.bc.ca
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Media contact:
Allison Colina
Communications
BC Cancer Agency
Tel: 604.877. 6272
acolina@bccancer.bc.ca
Tamara Sweet
Community Development Coordinator
Phone: 250-649-3002
Cell: 250-613-3065
tamara.sweet@blood.ca
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