About Us

Anemia Institute for Research and Education

The Anemia Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to generating and sharing knowledge about anemia as a serious condition - particularly amongst patients and health care professionals dealing with disease and/or treatment related risks factors for anemia.

Contact Us

Anemia Institute - National Office
151 Bloor Street West, Suite 600
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1S4
Telephone: 416-969-7431
Fax: 416-969-7420

Email us: info@anemiainstitute.org

Our Vision

A society where health outcomes and quality of life for people at risk for or living with anemia are substantially improved.

Our Mission

To provide and promote education, research, and advocacy about anemia - causes, effects, diagnosis and treatment.

Our Challenge

To engage all healthcare professionals and consumers to treat anemia seriously.

Who We Are

The Anemia Institute for Research and Education (AIRE) is a national, bilingual organization created in response to a compelling need: to increase recognition, diagnosis and treatment of anemia, and to coordinate, support and disseminate research around it.

Anemia affects tens of thousands of Canadians. Symptoms - such as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating - can be subtle or extreme, diminishing a person's ability to work, perform daily tasks, or participate in family or social activities. For some, the consequences are even more serious.

Those at risk include: those with chronic diseases like cancer, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, Hep C, and arthritis; those undergoing major surgery; infants and adolescents who have higher needs for iron and other vitamins and minerals; pregnant women; and those with heavy menstruation. But the reality is, anemia is often under-diagnosed and under-treated. AIRE is dedicated to generating and sharing knowledge about anemia, particularly amongst patients and health care professionals dealing with disease and/or treatment-related risks factors for anemia.

The Anemia Institute has three mandates: research, education, and advocacy. On the research front, AIRE's peer-review Research Committee has identified research priorities, and funds both basic and applied research through a yearly grant competition. In terms of education, AIRE hosts public events and forums, sponsors conferences, seminars and workshops, and delivers information through the media. AIRE also works with patients and patient groups on advocacy issues around timely diagnosis and quality medical care for anemia, and access to appropriate treatment options.

Anemia Awareness Week (AAW) takes place during the last week of March each year.

Our Board of Directors

AIRE's board of directors includes specialists in hematology, nephrology, oncology, and surgery, general practice, pharmacy and nursing, as well as consumers/caregivers.

Dr. Davy Cheng, Anesthesiologist, London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Health Centre, London, Ontario

Dr. Wendy Graham, Family Physician, North Bay, Ontario

Ms. Mary Kim, Patient Advocate, Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Janet Martin, Doctor of Pharmacy, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario

Dr. Hans Messner, Hematologist, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Robin Moore-Orr, Community Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario

Dr. Gail Rock, Hematologist, Hematology & Transfusion Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus, Ottawa, Ontario

Dr. Kent Stobart, Pediatric Hematologist, Edmonton, Alberta

Ms. Brenda Wang, Oncology Pharmacist, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Terrence Yau, Cardiac Surgeon, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario

President and CEO:
Durhane Wong-Rieger, PhD, Psychologist, past president of the Canadian Hemophilia Society, past-director of Canadian Blood Services, executive member of National Blood Safety Council, consumer advocate for blood safety and alternatives.

For more information about the Anemia Institute for Research and Education or Anemia Awareness Week, please contact: 1-877-99-ANEMIA