Your digest

CEO reflections on our open board meeting ― and how we are moving forward 
Twice a year, Canadian Blood Services holds open board meetings as part of its commitment to operating in a transparent and collaborative manner with people across Canada. These meetings are an opportunity to showcase some of our accomplishments as an organization, as well as a space to confront some of our challenges and invite stakeholders to hold us accountable for the important work that still needs to be done. In his latest blog post, CEO Dr. Graham Sher shares his personal reflections on our June 18 open board meeting and our formal stakeholder presentations ― specifically, those which confronted the difficult topic of systemic racism and how it manifests at Canadian Blood Services. Further to these reflections, this special blog post lists the important steps we are taking to eliminate systemic racism, homophobia and other intersecting forms of discrimination within our organization. Read the latest Snapshots blog post here.    

National blood supply needs a boost this summer, following a surge in demand 
In a press release issued today, Canadian Blood Services is calling for an additional 23,000 blood donors across Canada by July 31 to replenish the blood inventory following a sustained rise in demand as COVID-19 restrictions ease. As most provinces have begun (or will begin) to phase in their reopening plans, hospitals are ramping up surgical procedures that had previously been put on hold. This is causing even higher demand for blood products than that seen pre-COVID 19.  While donors of all blood types are encouraged to book appointments, there is a specific need for donors with O-negative blood. “There’s an immediate need for new and returning donors to fill all open appointments to meet demand and support patients’ needs this summer,” says Rick Prinzen, chief supply chain officer and vice-president of donor relations. Read the full press release here.  

Sign up for automatic job notifications through our new employee career portal 
Launched earlier this week, Canadian Blood Services’ new employee career portal makes it easier than ever for internal job applicants to receive notifications about new positions at the organization and to apply for them. The mobile-friendly site allows you to manage your profile, upload a resume and specify what kind of job postings you’d like to be notified about. The goal of this new platform is to offer a more seamless and personalized internal application process for employees, with diversity, equity and inclusion in mind. “We want all employees to be equitably considered for promotions and advancement and this [portal] makes it easier,” says Lynn Firkins, manager of HR Services. Learn more on Connect and check out the new platform by visiting connect.blood.ca and clicking the new “Careers” section under “My Apps”.  

Help spread the word this Cord Blood Awareness Month 
It’s that time of year again when we spread awareness about the incredible benefits of donated umbilical cord blood. During the pandemic, our cord blood bank has been a critical lifeline for patients in Canada and around the world who are searching for their lifesaving stem cell match. Throughout July, we’ll be sharing stories and resources and encouraging you to help further spread the word about cord blood. We want expectant moms in Ottawa, Brampton, Edmonton, and Vancouver to consider donating their babies’ umbilical cord blood at birth. Download our digital toolkit to access social media tiles and key messages about cord blood donation, and learn more about how you can help on Connect. 

Question of the day: Do staff, donors and volunteers need to continue wearing masks in Canadian Blood Services facilities if mask restrictions have been lifted in their city? 

Yes. Although masks may no longer be mandatory in certain municipalities or provinces, our mandatory mask policy will remain in effect at Canadian Blood Services sites until further notice. We have made the decision to maintain current measures and policies given the uncertainty of this phase of the pandemic. We will revisit these in the fall.  

 Anyone entering our sites will still be expected to switch to a surgical mask. If a donor indicates that they cannot wear a surgical mask, they have the option of wearing a Canadian Blood Services-supplied surgical mask over their own mask, or of wearing a Canadian Blood Services-supplied cloth mask. Unfortunately, anyone who refuses these options will not be allowed in our centres.

Read more on Connect about why we have made the decision to maintain current measures and policies.

About your digest 

This digest highlights 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.  No access to email? No problem — all this information and more 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