Your Digest

Canadian Blood Services team receives national award for collaborative research

A collaborative team from Canadian Blood Services and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) have received the 2022 Excellence in Pharmacy Practice — Leadership award from the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists. The award recognizes ground-breaking research with a pilot project at a hemophilia treatment centre, led by Dr. Sylvain Grenier, pharmacist and director of Canadian Blood Services’ plasma protein and related products formulary program. Pharmacists aren't traditionally involved in the hemophilia treatment setting, making this initiative the first of its kind in Canada. It’s also charting new territory for the role pharmacists can play in prescribing plasma protein and related products. Funded entirely by financial donations to Canadian Blood Services, this work involves collaboration, including the entire plasma protein and related products program team. Our philanthropy team, led by Margaret Miedema, also plays a pivotal role in motivating financial donors to make this work possible. Read more about this award-winning project on Blood.ca/stories.

Register for upcoming wellness sessions on mindset and gratitude

As part of this month’s wellbeing series focused on gratitude, employees are invited to attend the following wellness-enhancing webinars. On March 23, (1 – 2 p.m. ET), our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providers will host The Impact of Attitude on Work and Life Webinar, exploring the importance of attitude in developing a more positive mindset. On March 29 (1:30 – 2:30 p.m. ET), Christina Warrysh, our wellness and recognition specialist, will lead The Power of Gratitude Workshop. This interactive and informative session will focus on the power of practicing gratitude on a personal and professional level by creating space to enhance and empower connection. If you’re unable to make it, both sessions will be recorded and available on Connect and Connect on the Go podcasts.

Recognizing everyday racism and discrimination

Every year, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21) recognizes that injustices and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination continue to take place every day. In Canada, this date is an opportunity to reflect on the fact that while some progress has been made, Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities and other equity-deserving groups face racism and discrimination in the workplace, in their communities and in society at large. This year’s theme, “Voices for Action Against Racism,” reminds us that we all have an important role to play in addressing all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, systemic racism and hate. Visit the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) section of Connect to access resources and sign up for upcoming learning sessions that will help strengthen and consolidate your voice against racism and discrimination. As you explore, be sure to sign up for the Interactive dialogue with Dr. Isaac Odame on March 31 (12 – 1 p.m.) to learn more about how we can advance organizational inclusion, build trust across diverse groups and actively recruit donors from Black and other racialized communities.

Question of the Day: What is the People Promise and what do I need to know about it? 

Our People Promise — Canadian Blood Services’ take on an employee value proposition— launched on March 4 through a special blog post from our CEO, Dr. Graham Sher. It acknowledges the critical role that each of you plays in helping to deliver lifesaving products to patients across the country and aims to connect you in a more powerful way to Canada’s Lifeline.

It was developed with input from brand ambassadors and employees and is centred on our values of integrity, collaboration, adaptability, respect and excellence. Going forward, the hope is that it will serve as a reminder of how much we value the incredible and unique skills, capabilities and perspectives you contribute every day — and how together, we make a difference. It is all about capturing our common experience through our cool heads and warm hearts and recognizing and celebrating what sets our workplace and culture apart. 

In the coming weeks and months, you will see the tenets of our People Promise come to life through a number of planned initiatives and activities, including our corporate social responsibility survey, enhanced mental health and well-being supports and training. Through these initiatives, we hope to take employees on an engaging journey that reminds us all why we’re here and invites you to play an active role in where we’re going next as an organization.

Read the full People Promise on Connect and watch inspiring videos from some of your colleagues demonstrating the People Promise in action.

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.

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Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca.