Your Digest
Sexual behaviour-based screening takes effect Sept. 11
As of Sept. 11, all donors — regardless of gender or sexual orientation — will be asked if they’ve had new or multiple sexual partners in the last three months under new sexual behaviour-based screening (SBBS) criteria. If they answer yes, they will then be asked if they’ve had anal sex with any of these partners. If they have, they will be required to wait three months from when they last had anal sex to donate. If they have not, and meet all other eligibility criteria, they will be able to move forward with their donation.
To support this transition, all employees have access to specialized training in sex-positive conversations which focuses on removing shame and awkwardness from conversations around sexual behaviour. The forthcoming eligibility change is among the most significant in Canadian Blood Services’ history. Thank you to all of you at Canadian Blood Services who have worked hard to bring this change to fruition. Visit Connect for the full details or check your inbox for an email from our CEO, Dr. Graham Sher, sent yesterday, Aug. 22.
Reminder: COVID-19 rapid screening available for on-site employees
Rapid screening continues to be available for all on-site employees across the country. If you are working on-site, you are welcome to participate in the voluntary rapid antigen screening program. Read more details, and learn how to register for the rapid screening program on the employee portal. All employees are reminded that they should stay home if they are not feeling well.
Checking in on your child’s mental health
The second focus in our back-to-school series tackles the subject of our children’s mental health and how we can help ease our children back into school after a somewhat traumatic two years. A child’s mental health affects their daily life and future. Schoolwork, relationships and physical health can be affected by mental health. Like physical fitness, mental fitness is important at every stage of life. Caring for and protecting a child’s mental health is a major part of helping that child grow to become the best they can be.
Visit ComPsych's back-to-school guidance for a comprehensive suite of resources and tips such as ways to help you promote your child’s physical safety and emotional well-being. You can also participate in Lifespeak’s Ask the Expert Webinar of the month: Preparing for Back to School and Return to Office (password thrive) tomorrow, Aug. 24 at 12 p.m. ET. Visit Connect and stay tuned to Your Digest for more back-to-school highlights here and connect with your colleagues on Yammer — check out the hashtag #BackToSchool2022.
Question of the day
I am considering purchasing an electric vehicle. Does CBS have plans to install EV chargers in our sites?
We are at the beginning stages of exploring whether installing EV chargers at Canadian Blood Services sites is possible. We are currently reviewing the infrastructure at various sites to determine whether upgrades are required to install the chargers.
We are also seeking funding options to help achieve our goals in this space so that people who are looking to purchase EVS and plug-in hybrids can charge at work in the future.
If you are interested in providing feedback, please visit the employee surveys page on Connect to participate in a short survey. Your input will help us with policy development around green programing and continuous improvement in this space.
