Your Digest
October is Healthy Workplace Month: celebrate with S.E.N.S.E.
There are five behavioural elements that have been scientifically proven to support and enhance your mental and physical well-being. The S.E.N.S.E. components are social connection; exercise and movement; nutrition; sleep; and education and growth. Read more on Connect and register for our Healthy Workplace Month series to gain a better understanding of how each behaviour impacts your overall well-being. As a fun bonus, share your participation on Yammer using the hashtag #LeanIntoFall and you’ll be entered into a draw for Canadian Blood Services swag.
New truth and reconciliation learning resources available on Connect
On Sept. 30, Canadian Blood Services observed the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and publicly launched our Reconciliation Action Plan. Today, we’re pleased to share a new, self-directed learning series with employees in support of our ongoing reconciliation journey. As part of our commitment to continuous learning about Indigenous peoples, cultures, history and issues, we encourage you to explore the resources and educational materials at your own pace and to consider your individual (and our organization’s collective) role in advancing truth and reconciliation. To learn more, visit connect.blood.ca/reconciliation.
Supporting your well-being on World Mental Health Day and beyond
While we recognize Monday, Oct. 10 as World Mental Health Day, we want our employees to feel supported and safe every day. There are a variety of resources available to support employees where and when they may need them. Visit Connect for details on a few of the highlights including mental health first aid training, new mental health crisis guidelines and our refreshed well-being hub.
Plasma donors fuel a sign language teacher’s dreams
Christina Moreau is so grateful for the support of plasma donors in her journey with immune thrombocytopenia, a disorder which puts patients at risk of severe bleeding. Donors have made an impact not just on Christina, but on others who rely on her, from her seven-year-old daughter, Isabella, to the many students she inspires as a post-secondary instructor of American Sign Language. Stories like Christina’s show us how donors make all the difference, the powerful idea at the heart of our new creative platform. Read more about her on blood.ca and share with others in your network.
Is pumpkin pie the only pie worth having this long weekend? Have your say!
We want to thank those who are working to support Canada’s Lifeline over the long weekend. We hope no matter what your plans are, you take some time to relax, recharge and indulge. We’ve got a bit of debate happening on Connect to determine what IS the best pie out there? Will pumpkin pie reign supreme or will sweet potato pie be our dark horse? Only you can tell us – have your say by taking our latest poll on Connect.
Link fixed: Cybersecurity Awareness Month quiz
Visit Connect to learn about cyber crime and how to spot it, prevent it and report it! You can also participate in our brief cybersecurity awareness quiz for the chance to win a cyber-aware prize pack.
Question of the day: So, what benefit does Grifols get from this partnership with Canadian Blood Services?
Under the agreement, Grifols will be able to collect plasma across Canada using their commercial model in locations that are approved by Canadian Blood Services. Plasma collected by Grifols and Canadian Blood Services will be made into immunoglobulins by Grifols for patients in Canada. At first, manufacturing will occur at Grifols’ plant in the U.S. and then will transition to their plant in Montréal, sometime in 2026 when it is fully operational. Canadian Blood Services will purchase all (100 per cent) of these Canadian made immunoglobulins from Grifols, exclusively for use in Canada.
Purchasing medications from the biologics industry is a common practice globally and has been part of Canadian Blood Services’ practice for more than two decades. We will continue to do this to meet the needs of patients in Canada, even after we reach our goal of 50 per cent plasma sufficiency for immunoglobulins. The difference with this agreement is that immunoglobulins will be made in Canada, enabling an end-to-end supply chain within the country for the first time, which will reduce Canada’s reliance on global supplies of immunoglobulins.
