Your Digest

Changes to mask and physical distancing measures in effect

We have suspended mandatory masks and physical distancing for staff, donors and visitors in our buildings, vehicles and collection events. Although no longer required, masks are welcome in our environments, and we will continue to make masks available to anyone who may choose to wear one. Everyone has their own reason for wearing or not wearing a mask. We ask that you please respect people’s choice to continue wearing a mask or to maintain physical distance from others. Employees are reminded that they should stay home if not feeling well. Read more details about these changes on the employee portal under “Questions & Answers.” If you have any further questions, please send them to communications@blood.ca

Furry special guests bring joy and comfort to blood donors

After donating blood regularly at mobile clinics in northern Nova Scotia and volunteering with the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs program, Andrew Moss knew how to combine his two passions of giving back. Sometimes witnessing donors feeling anxious about donating blood, it occurred to Andrew that Fearghas, his own trained Goldendoodle, could provide comfort and help to lower blood pressure. He started with mobile clinics at high schools, where there would be a lot of first-time donors. Fearghas was a hit. Now he and other dogs greet and comfort donors at other mobile clinics. While dogs aren’t permitted at bedside, donors can see them when they arrive and enjoy a cuddle afterward. Read more on blood.ca about how Fearghas and his buddy, Murphy, do their part in helping to fill our immediate need for donors.

Question of the day

Now that gyms are open in select locations, is there anything I need to do to access the gym at my site?

Yesterday we opened our fitness facilities in four locations ─ Calgary, Winnipeg, Brampton and Dartmouth. If you work in one of these sites and would like to use the gym, there are a few steps you will need to take to gain access:

1. Sign the waiver available at the reception area of your building or find it on Connect.
2. Provide a hard copy of the waiver to reception or email an electronic copy to ask.facilities@blood.ca. Facilities will provide you with gym access within one to two days of receiving your signed waiver.
3. Gym capacity is managed through the Condeco booking system. To book your spot, select “book a meeting space” then select “gym” and choose an available timeslot.

Our intent is to re-open fitness facilities across the country. We are currently assessing each site’s fitness room with ventilation system specifications to ensure we can invite staff back safely to these spaces. We look forward to sharing more information as updates become available.