Blood donation drives launched in Quebec and Réunion

Health authorities in Canada and France are issuing calls for blood donations to bolster reserves. In Quebec, MP Gabriel Ste-Marie is promoting a blood drive at Les Galeries Joliette from August 17 to 21, aiming for 270 donors to meet hospital demands that persist even during the summer holiday season.

In Réunion, the Établissement français du sang (EFS) has reported a 10% decline in donation attendance during the first half of August. The organization noted that 120 donations are required daily on the island to support treatments for cancer, heart disease, and surgical procedures. To facilitate donations, a new temporary examination process will be implemented starting August 17 to allow travelers returning from certain regions, such as Mauritius, to donate blood more readily without automatic deferral due to viruses like dengue or West Nile.