In September 1998, at the height of the contaminated blood crisis, Canadian Blood Services opened its doors across Canada as the country’s blood authority in all provinces and territories except Quebec, taking over the role of blood operator from the Canadian Red Cross Society. The principles and recommendations in the Krever report, published by the Commission of Inquiry on the Blood System in Canada that same year, provide CBS with essential guidance. Over the years, through many changes, trust in CBS to act in the best interest of the public has been consistently high, reflecting the organization’s commitment to safety, quality, and improving outcomes for patients.
Today, CBS provides life essentials for Canadians undertaking a broad range of activities in four main areas including: blood, plasma, Organs and Tissues, and Stem Cells. Some milestones celebrated in their 20yrs of service include:
- Approximately five million patients have received a blood transfusion, which remains the most common medical intervention in a hospital setting.
- Over 1,000 patients have received kidney transplants through the Canadian Transplant Registry, built and managed by Canadian Blood Services.
- 3,900 patients have received stem cell products through the national registry, whether from Canadian or international donors.
- Canada’s blood supply is now recognized as one of the safest in the world. There has not been a single recorded instance of blood-borne infection from either hepatitis C or HIV, since 1998.
With less than 4% of eligible Canadians rolling-up their sleeves to save lives, CBS greatly relies on the generosity of new, existing, and returning donors. Interested in booking an appointment or learning more? Visit us online at www.blood.ca or call us at 1-888-2DONATE. Walk-in appointments are also available at all donor centres.