Your digest

We’re taking a break: Please note, this is the last issue of Your Digest for 2021. The next issue will be published on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022. Members of the communications team will still be available over the holidays, however. You can continue to reach us at communications@blood.ca.

Season’s greetings from Graham

As we near the end of 2021, our CEO Dr. Graham Sher reflects on all your efforts to make this past year a success, and shares his best wishes for the holiday season, in a short video and below:

"It’s important, when you are able, to take time away and disconnect from work to be with your friends, family and loved ones. I sincerely hope you each find a chance to do just that in the coming weeks. Each of you plays an essential role in our operation that is vital to the health of patients across Canada. I thank you for everything you do to keep Canada’s Lifeline strong. Enjoy the holiday, Happy New Year and as always, to those of you working on the frontlines during this time of year, a sincere thank you.”

Watch Graham’s video message on Connect.

Rapid screening tests – where to get screened 

News reports are highlighting the increased demand for rapid screening kits across the country. With the new Omicron variant circulating and the increase in positive COVID-19 cases, employees may be wondering how they can obtain rapid screening kits. Canadian Blood Services runs voluntary rapid screening programs at certain sites. To find out if your site is included and how to register please visit the employee portal: https://www.blood.ca/en/employees/rapidscreening.

The program is limited to specific sites and to those working on-site regularly who are asymptomatic, and not available for those working from home. If an employee has symptoms, or any other risk factors that indicate they require testing for COVID-19, they must seek lab-based PCR diagnostic testing administered through public health.    We do encourage all employees to take advantage of rapid screening kits available in their communities for asymptomatic testing. Our response to the pandemic and the Omicron variant is rapidly evolving. We will continue to communicate promptly about any changes in the coming days.

During this Season of Giving, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association shows dedication to serving others

For more than 15 years, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) has helped us meet the needs of an increasingly diverse patient population by hosting blood drives and stem cell donor events as a national Partners for Life group. The association regularly rallies its youth members to get involved in humanitarian activities like blood and stem cell donation, and during this Season of Giving, the contributions of AMYA members will play an important role in ensuring patient needs are met. In December, a critical time for collections, three of AMYA’s major chapters in Vaughan and Maple, Ont., and in Delta, B.C., will once again host blood donation events and raise awareness of the need for more donors. Read more on blood.ca/stories.

Staff step up to help donors find our new Kelowna plasma donor centre

Employees at our new plasma donor centre in Kelowna, B.C., knew something was wrong a few weeks after opening in June 2021. Many donors were not showing up or were arriving late to their appointments. Some were arriving so late that their donations had to be rescheduled, and many were expressing that the new donor centre location was not easy to find. Once the local plasma team understood some of the accessibility challenges that donors were facing, they quickly got started on finding meaningful solutions. Thanks to the changes implemented, there has been no new feedback since early September about donors running into difficulties finding the Kelowna plasma site. To learn more about how these employees are living out our donor experience ambition, visit Connect.

Question of the day: What can I do over the holidays to support Canada’s Lifeline?

The festive season can be a very busy time for people, but Canada’s Lifeline must be ready to support all patients at all times.

As you may know, we have an immediate need for blood and plasma donations, and new registrants for the Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry. In uncertain times like these, giving and supporting others has never been more important.

You are a valued ambassador for our brand, our mission and the work we do every day saving lives. If you have a few moments over the next few weeks, please consider sharing one of our calls to action with your network. Have a conversation with a friend or family member about joining the stem cell registry, book an appointment to donate blood or plasma, consider making a financial donation or share one of our social media assets on your own channels.

To learn more about our Season of Giving campaign and the need for donors between now and Jan. 4, 2022, visit blood.ca.

 

 

 

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.