Your Digestimp

Thank you for helping us fill our immediate need 

Thanks to you, we kept Canada’s Lifeline strong over the winter holidays. We have seen an increase in donations and pre-booked appointments since we called for donors to fill 25,000 open appointments by the end of 2022. We have also returned to normal operations and can safely distribute blood products.   

Although winter storms over the holidays have lessened, the need continues for more donations to restore and grow the blood and plasma supply for patients. Inventory is still not where it needs to be. We also anticipate disruptions to continue in the weeks ahead as blasts of winter weather return. If you are able, please help us continue to spread the word about the need for donors. Share our messages on social media, sign up to donate and encourage family and friends to check their eligibility to donate through our online eligibility quiz. Please reach out to communications@blood.ca if you have any questions. 

CEO town hall, Thursday, Jan. 19: Call for questions 

The first town hall of 2023 is coming up next Thursday, Jan. 19 from 1–2 p.m. ET. Guest panelists will be announced soon. Please submit questions in advance to communications@blood.ca with the subject line ‘TOWN HALL’ or use this anonymous form. You can also submit questions live during the event after joining with the meeting link in your Outlook invitation. 

Blood types in Canada: classifying how common or rare they are 

Many of us know the four main blood groups: A, B, AB and O. In addition to the ABO blood types, everyone is classified for their RHD typing, meaning that they either do or do not express a protein called the RhD antigen on their red blood cells. Learn more about blood types and how they help us get patients the products they need on blood.ca/stories. 

Question of the day

With COVID-19 cases continuing to impact employee health, many of us are having to use up the majority of our sick leave. Will we see a temporary return of the pandemic leave allotments to improve employee well-being? (please note: this question has been edited for length) 

We are asking all employees to take a common-sense approach when choosing to come into a Canadian Blood Services site. Above all else, we ask that you stay home when you are sick.  

Although currently, we are not considering bringing back pandemic sick leave, we do have measures in place to support you when you are sick. A number of paid leaves still exist to support employees, including sick leave, appointment leave, and family leave. To better understand what paid leave options are available to you, please refer to your applicable collective agreement or non-union terms and conditions of employment for a description of paid leaves.   

We recognize that some part-time or contract employees may not be entitled to the same benefits as full-time employees. If this applies to you, we encourage you to reach out to your PCP business partner to discuss your situation and the options available to you.  

Employees who have concerns related to workplace safety matters should discuss those concerns with their supervisors. The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Employee Health and Safety (EHS) teams (ask.ohs@blood.ca) are also available to respond to any safety concerns.