An Act respecting Inherited Blood Disorders Awareness Day

Bill S-288 designates September 19 as Inherited Blood Disorders Awareness Day. Approximately 8,500 Canadians live with inherited blood disorders including sickle-cell disease (estimated 5,000 affected Canadians, predominantly people of African, Caribbean, or Mediterranean descent), thalassemia (estimated 1,500 affected), and rarer disorders. Provincial newborn-screening programs vary in scope: Ontario implements universal screening for sickle-cell disease since 2006, but several smaller provinces do not. The awareness day aims to spur research funding through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and to advocate for universal provincial newborn screening. Symbolic Senate bill, no programs attached.