Your Digest
Supports are available to those affected by the tragic events in Saskatchewan
Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who lost their lives or were injured during Sunday’s attacks at James Smith Cree Nation, Weldon and the surrounding area in Saskatchewan. Our flags will be flown at half-mast in memory of the victims of these horrific events. This tragedy may amplify feelings of unease and sadness. To help you cope, we encourage you to use the resources available to you and your families, such as the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), which offers confidential mental health support with licensed professionals. We also strongly encourage you to speak with your manager or contact our healthy workplace team at wellness@blood.ca if you are feeling personally affected, to learn about the additional supports available to you. Community resources are also available to those in need.
Reminder: Townhall this week, panelists announced
Our next live townhall event is coming up this Thursday, Sept. 8, 1–2 p.m. ET. Join our CEO, Dr. Graham Sher, and his guest panelists, Ron Vezina, vice president of public affairs and Jean-Paul Bédard, vice-president, plasma operations for updates and answers to your questions. Please submit questions in advance to communications@blood.ca with the subject line ‘TOWNHALL’ or use this anonymous form. You can also submit questions live during the event after joining with the meeting link in your Outlook invitation. A recording of the townhall will be available on the employee portal and the “Podcasts” section of the Connect on the Go app within 24 hours of the event.
Donated stem cells cross borders, intersecting and saving lives
At just two months old, Austin Mares of Clarksville, Tennessee, was diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)—a rare disorder of the immune system. A bone marrow biopsy and genetic testing confirmed that Austin’s only hope of survival was a stem cell transplant. About a quarter of patients are lucky enough to have a stem cell match in their own family, typically a sibling. However, tests determined that Austin’s only sibling was not a match. Austin’s medical team found an ideal match with a young woman from Moncton, N.B. Lizzie Burns had joined the Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry years earlier. Read more about Austin and Lizzie’s very special connection on Connect.
Service Awards 2022
Congratulations to all those who are celebrating career milestones at Canadian Blood Services this year! The Service Awards Program celebrates the dedication and commitment of employees who have reached service milestones at five-year increments. The celebrations for 2022 will be delivered during the week of October 3–7, in a hybrid format, offering our teams the chance to celebrate virtually and in-person if they choose. Virtual divisional calls, led by our vice-presidents, will be held to honour milestone recipients and on-site regional celebrations will be planned in accordance with COVID-19 protocols. Throughout the year, milestone recipients receive an email notification inviting them to make a gift selection using the Recognition Portal. If you have any questions, please reach out to recognition@blood.ca.
Question of the day
The weekly mindfulness sessions are intriguing, but I’m so busy I feel like I don’t have the time to attend. What can I do?
It’s important to take pauses throughout the day for your mental and physical well-being. Your breaks may be scheduled, or you may be responsible for finding the time yourself. Making sure you step away for a few minutes can help you maintain a healthy balance and sustainable work pattern.
Canadian Blood Services offers weekly, 20-minute, facilitator-led mindful breaks on Mondays and Wednesdays. The creative mindfulness exercises can help you connect with your senses, attend to your breath and re-centre your thoughts. Check with your manager or supervisor to see if it’s possible to make space to attend, but if you can’t make it in person, no problem! You can access the recordings anytime on the Connect on the Go app or Connect. You can also feel the benefits of meditation on your own time through Insight Timer, a mindfulness app that Canadian Blood Services’ employees can now sign up for and access for free. For more information on the well-being resources available to you, check out connect.blood.ca/EmployeeSupports.
