First ever Global Excel blood drive
The Héma-québec mobile was parked out in front of the Global Excel office on Queen Street yesterday morning, much to the delight of reserve specialist Tina Annesley. The company held it’s first blood drive, an initiative lead by Annesley.
“This has been my baby for two years now.” She said. “Global Excel does many activities for the community. We’re all about giving back.”
Héma-québec is in dire need of blood. According to Annesley, there are only about 14 000 pints of blood available for the whole Quebec population, which is close to 8.2 million people. Given that Global Excel is a full-service cost containment, claims management and medical assistance company, it seemed fitting to plan a blood drive.
The drive, said Annesley, had been planned over the past few months. While this time the donors came exclusively from Global Excel, she hopes to have larger, community based drives in the future.
“The Héma-québec truck has a maximum capacity of 38 donations.” She explained. “I set up 39 employees to donate, and I have some back ups in case someone gets sick or something. I’m the last donor of the day. If all goes well, the next drive will go public.”
Annesley has given blood 10 times already, but for many Global Excel employees, it’s a first. The reserve specialist said she’s happy to give them the opportunity to donate, and that she also hopes to use the blood drive as a platform to inform people.
“I have posters up giving facts about blood donation, but also organ donation.” Said Annesley. She stressed the importance of being well informed.
“A lot of people think people with diabetes can’t be organ donors. This isn’t true.” She commented. “My mother had to have two cornea transplants; she might even need a third,” added Annesley, highlighting how important the blood drive and organ donation campaigns are to her.
Hopefully, in the wake of yesterdays’ success, Annesley’s initiative will grow and members of the community join in on Global Excel’s next blood drive.