Your digest

Reminders

• Register for our special lunch and learn session tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 8 from noon to 1 p.m. (ET) to help create a more inclusive environment at work for persons with disabilities.
• Check your email for an invitation to learn about the new Organs and Tissues for Life Education Portal. This virtual, live and interactive event is happening on Monday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. ET.

An update on our journey to build a more inclusive blood system

We’re continuing to take necessary steps at Canadian Blood Services to build and support a national transfusion and transplantation system that is diverse, equitable and inclusive for all. We recognize that our future requires a significantly more diverse donor and registrant base, as well as a workforce that more fully reflects Canada’s population. Both are necessary in order to meet the complex and evolving needs of all patients. At our open board meeting on Friday, Dec. 3, our executive management team shared updates on some of the strategic initiatives we’ve undertaken and implemented in recent months to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within our organization. Read the full DEI update on blood.ca.

This B.C. dad is ‘forever grateful’ for gifts of blood and stem cells

For years, Greg Duerksen had quietly feared he would die young. Then, amid a pandemic, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia — a type of cancer that makes the bone marrow produce large numbers of abnormal blood cells. “My life flipped on its head,” says Greg, 45, a father of two as well as a former volunteer firefighter. After rounds of chemotherapy and countless transfusions of blood and platelets, he had the successful stem cell transplant that was his only hope for a cure. This season of giving, Greg is thankful to blood and stem cell donors. Read more on blood.ca/stories.

Submit your questions for our final townhall of the year

Our last live townhall event of 2021 will take place on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. ET. As always, our CEO Dr. Graham Sher and an expert panel will be available to answer your questions on any and all topics that are top of mind. You can submit your email or video questions in advance to communications@blood.ca with the subject line “TOWNHALL” or record an audio question by phoning 1-800-509-3329. If you prefer to submit written questions anonymously, use this form (indicate “TOWNHALL” in the subject line). On Dec.16, click the meeting link in your Outlook invite to join live. If you’re unable to make it, a recording of the event will be available on your COVID-19 employee portal within 24 hours.

Remember: Masks are mandatory in our sites

There is still significant uncertainty surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including the duration of immunity after vaccination, the impact of new variants and how the spread of the virus differs from season to season. Public health advice and guidance continue to evolve, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this next phase of the pandemic with caution and with employee and donor safety in mind. We know everyone is tired, but we need to remain cautious and continue to adhere to our own COVID-19 safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment, physical distancing, enhanced cleaning and hand sanitization. There have been a few isolated incidents where people have removed their masks inside our donor centres, specifically for photo opportunities. This is a breach of our mask policy, and we take these incidents seriously. We remind all staff that masks are mandatory in our settings, with no exceptions other than medical emergencies, sitting at your workstation alone or eating/drinking. We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to keep our workplaces safe for everyone.

Question of the Day: Yesterday (Dec.6) was the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. What is Canadian Blood Services doing to promote physical and psychological safety in the workplace, and to support staff who are experiencing/have experienced domestic or workplace violence?

Every year, from Nov.25 to Dec.10, Canadians observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. It is an opportunity to come together to call out, speak up and renew our commitment to do our part to create safe spaces for women, girls, 2SLGBTQIA+ and gender diverse individuals in our workplace and in society in general. At Canadian Blood Services, safety is paramount ― and this includes the physical and psychological safety of our employees. Since 2019, we’ve taken steps to improve the process for reporting harassment, discrimination and workplace violence.

Our respect in the workplace, violence and harassment prevention policy outlines that disrespectful behaviour, violence or harassment is unacceptable conduct that will not be tolerated. If you have experienced or have seen/know of disrespectful behaviours, violence or harassment occurring in the workplace, you are encouraged to report the incident(s) of misconduct. Speak with your direct supervisor, a representative from People, Culture and Performance (PCP), or report your concerns through our confidential reporting tool. Please know that you can report without fear of retribution. Remember: If you doubt it, shout it. More information, resources and policies are available under Respectful Workplace on Connect. You can also reach out to your PCP business partner in confidence with other questions.

If you or a loved one is suffering now ― or has in the past ― know that you are not alone. We have available resources to support your well-being on Connect, including the employee assistance program and virtual drop-in counselling. Sheltersafe.ca is another valuable resource that provides information to help connect women and their children across Canada with the nearest shelter for safety and support. If you are in an emergency situation at any time, please call 9-1-1 or check here for a crisis line in your area.

 

 

About Your Digest

This digest highlights the latest policy and employee support measures, resources to help you manage our new reality and original content to remind us that what we do matters. This information can be found on blood.ca/employees from any device, no login required.

Click here to read past editions of your digest. 

Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca.