Daily COVID-19 digest
A heartfelt thank you:
Earlier today, our CEO shared this video with you from our board members. A short while ago, several members of our board approached us and asked for the opportunity to thank all of you for the dedication you have shown throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s important to keep in mind that our board members represent the public voice at Canadian Blood Services. They ensure Canada’s Lifeline is governed in the best interests of all Canadians.
We urge you to consider this as you watch this video. On the one hand, this a heartfelt thank you from the people who are accountable for the governance of Canada’s Lifeline. But in a very real sense, this is also a sincere thank you from Canadians for the important work you do.
Nominate a colleague for Living Our Values: We are excited to let you know that the 2020 Living Our Values program launched today, Monday, June 1. Living Our Values recognizes and celebrates our employees who truly exemplify our values in their behaviours and attitudes, while contributing to our lifesaving work. This year, the program carries additional significance as this is an opportunity for us to pause and acknowledge the commitment of employees across the organization who have come together during these challenging times to support Canada’s Lifeline and reflect on the link our values have to all we do. If you have an outstanding colleague, who has shined despite these unusual circumstances, share your appreciation by nominating them for a Living Our Values award of distinction. A guide and tips on how to do so are all available to you on Connect. You can submit a nomination any time between today and July 10.
Sophie Grégoire Trudeau supports convalescent plasma research:
Madame Grégoire Trudeau visited our donor centre in Ottawa last week to donate her convalescent plasma to ongoing COVID-19 research. After contracting the virus in early March, she knew that if the opportunity arose, she wanted to help contribute to the research underway to find a cure. “The research in this field is just incredible,” she says. “So to be able to participate and know that a single little act as giving blood can make a difference, it’s just amazing”.
She also has a message for our teams on the frontline “All the healthcare workers and the frontline workers were heroes before this, but now they are superheroes. I have so much respect and admiration. They are making a real difference where it counts the most and we will be forever grateful to them.”
Question of the day: Some of our staff have allergies or intolerances to scents. Are we looking at non-scented alternatives to items like Lysol wipes, so our workplaces can be scent-free environments?
Canadian Blood Services recognizes that some employees may have a sensitivity to scents and we make every effort to source and use unscented products that do not contain perfumes. There have been challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in obtaining a consistent supply of unscented cleaning products as well as cleaning products in general — we will continue to make every effort to source unscented products to include on our list of approved and effective products.
Please be aware that even unscented products have an odor. To best help our employees with sensitivities, we have an occupational health and safety and employee health services department (OHS/EHS). If you or others are experiencing aggravated symptoms, please alert your supervisor or manager and OHS/EHS.
About the daily digest
This daily digest will highlight the latest policy and employee support measures, resources to help you manage our new reality and original content like articles and videos to remind us that what we do matters. Things are moving quickly, so you can expect to hear from us daily. No access to email? No problem — all this information and more can be found on blood.ca/employees from any device, no login required.
Click here to read past editions of the daily digest.
Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca.