New personal protective equipment (PPE) measures: Effective March 31, we have implemented a plan for PPE for staff in collections environments. To learn more about these measures and read an important message from our CEO on this subject, please visit blood.ca/employees/ppe.
Changes to donor eligibility in effect: Based on the latest evidence, on March 29 our donor eligibility requirements were changed for the second time during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new criteria enhance screening of prospective donors for COVID-19 illness and exposure. This will help us defer donors at risk of spreading COVID-19 within our donor centres. We are continuously monitoring the latest information about the virus and how it spreads, and we expect more changes in the future. Click here to learn about the new eligibility criteria and what it means for donors and frontline staff.
A heartfelt thank you: This message from Madeline Pillipow provides a great reminder that what we do matters. Madeline is a first-year student at the University of Victoria who required blood, platelets and a stem cell transplant as part of her treatment for stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She is now cancer-free and pursuing her dreams. Madeline has a special relationship with Kerry Parsons, manager of the Edmonton donor centre, and reached out to offer her heartfelt thanks to all of our staff for the exceptional work they do to help save lives in these challenging times.
Ensuring physical distancing at collection events: In compliance with the Public Health Agency of Canada's direction to enable physical distancing, we are evaluating our mobile and fixed donor sites to make sure they meet this requirement. Plans are underway to merge several community mobile donation events and consolidate resources into one central semi-fixed community mobile site where possible. We are notifying donors of donation events that have been suspended or moved to a different location and encouraging them to book appointments in locations better able to accommodate physical distancing requirements. We also encourage employees to speak with the manager should you have questions about how this affects you. To access the most up-to-date appointment availability in your local area, visit blood.ca/donate.
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 of 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