Cornwall, Ontario – Every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood. The body’s liquid life source that carries nutrients and oxygen to the tissues is the most sought after donation in the world and Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH) is doing its part to make sure enough is available in your time of need. As a proud “Partner for Life” with Canadian Blood Services, CCH will be sponsoring a blood drive this July 7 at the Ramada Inn.

Never has something so simple had such an enormous impact. Just one blood donation can improve or save up to three lives. “It is important to raise awareness regarding the significance of blood donations in our community. A blood drive is the perfect opportunity to do so and CCH is honoured to sponsor one in our area!” exclaims Jeanette Despatie, President and Chief Executive Officer of CCH. “Our value of engagement is obvious here by our staff members giving either time and/or blood in order to help others.”

The need for blood and blood components is constant because they are used to treat any number of injuries and illnesses, including various forms of cancers, hip and joint surgery, transplants, trauma patients such as car accident victims, patients with blood disorders, and many others. So far, CCH is at 43per cent of its goal, and nationwide “Partners for Life” has been responsible for over 90,000 donations this year alone. Don Depratto, a member of CCH’s Community Mental Health Services team, was recognized for his 100th blood donation last year. “CCH is in the business of helping people, and giving blood is an easy way to do that. It only takes one hour of your time, every two months to know you have made a difference.”

Maybe you do not see yourself donating as much as Don, but it certainly is in all of us to give. Join the other 425,000 Canadians who are active blood donors by stopping by the blood drive on July 7 held at the Ramada Inn, 805 Brookdale Avenue, in the Simon Fraser Room. The event will run from 1200 to 1500 hours, and again from 1700 until 1930 hours both days. When donating, simply mention CCH’s corporate ID CORN014456 or register your donations online at www.blood.ca/partnersforlife.