We are fortunate to have many partnerships and coalitions in Nova Scotia that help advance our public health care. One of the big ones that have always resonated with me has been around since 1998. It’s the Canadian Blood Services.

Canadian Blood Services is committed to blood safety. In addition to the effective screening and testing processes, this pursuit of safety is reflected in every branch of its organizational structure and in each management and operational decision that is made.

The Canadian Blood Services is a not-for-profit organization whose sole mission is to manage to blood and blood products supply for Canadians. They collect approximately 850,000 units of blood annually and process it into the components and products that are administered to thousands of patients yearly.

The committed organization also manages the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network whose mission is to secure donors for Canadian bone marrow transplant patient and for patients abroad.

As an integrated national health care service provider, Canadian Blood Services regularly contributes and participates in the national conversation and debate around health care issues.

The coalition, which includes a board of directors, volunteers, a management team, informative website, and more, has a common goal of helping Canadians. The Canadian Blood Services gives citizens an organization to go to when looking for communication or information. Essentially, the Canadian Blood Services helps give a structured voice to constituencies that can influence many key stakeholders such as the press and policymakers. This helps expand the programs reach by giving the public resources and expertise in regards to donating blood in Canada.

One of the many effective strategies that the Canadian Blood Services uses to get the attention of the public is highlighting stats. This is extremely effective as it creates a sense of urgency and makes people feel like they need to do whatever they can to help.

One that always makes me feel almost guilty