Spring news 2020
Letter from the Chair
Greetings and welcome to June!
Summer is creeping up on us quickly, but I must admit this has been the oddest Spring in my memory. Since mid March, we have been experiencing a lifestyle to which we are not accustomed. “Social distancing” and “isolating” are now common terms in our vocabulary. To our community, many of these measures aren’t new; most of us take some kind of precaution everyday to be able to stay well. Still, in all, it’s a time to be extra vigilant, especially with our mental health. Stay in touch with friends, get outside for some fresh air and sunshine, and do nice things for yourself. We are all in this together.
Enjoy the approaching warm weather and stay safe.
Christine
Comings and Goings
CIPO are thrilled to welcome two new team members to our staff! Lauren House replaces Anna Riley as our new Administrative Assistant. Anna went on maternity leave last August, and is relocating to the UK. With over 15 years of experience in her field of Administration, Lauren embraces the core values of integrity, innovation, and growth. She hopes to share her voice and ideas to create change and assist CIPO with their goals to better service their community. Megan Wong joins us as our new Social Media Coordinator. (Enter Megan info here).
Jazmin Chase, Wendy Chandler, Elizabeth Doherty, Gina Lazor and Kaie Ramsden are no longer with the organization. Please contact info@cipo.ca with any questions.
COVID-19
Home Delivery
We have been working hard to set up home delivery of SCIG for immunodeficiency patients across Canada. While some provinces have approved the program set in place by Canadian Blood Services, not all health authorities, or hospital transfusion medicine departments, have been as cooperative. We will continue to advocate at ALL levels for this service.
If you are interested in receiving your product by home delivery, but are currently not able to, Visit the CIPO website to find out what you can do to help (Link – http://www.cipo.ca/2020/05/28/home-delivery-for-scig/)
Special Events
COVID-19 Webinars
Wednesday, June 10th 6pm EDT – “Ask the Experts 2: COVID 19 & PI”
Dr. Stephen Betschel and Dr. Bruce Ritchie are back and answering more of your questions. Don’t miss it! Submit any questions by Monday, June 8th. Details to join at cipo.ca/event (link)
CIPO hosted a “Ask the Experts: COVID-19 & PI” webinar with Dr. Stephen Betschel and Dr. Bruce Ritchie on May 5th. We had 90 people attend and over 40 questions submitted. If you missed it, you can listen to the podcast of the session on our website: http://www.cipo.ca/2020/05/10/covid19-pi-webinar-q-a/
Wednesday Night Meet Ups
CIPO Meet Ups have gone virtual! Since we have had to cancel or postpone all in-person events, CIPO will be hosting a virtual meet up every Wednesday night 8pm-9:30pm. Details on our website: cipo.ca/event (link)
Volunteers Needed
We are looking for passionate and dedicated advocates to join our Steering Committees in BC, Alberta and Ontario. If you are interested or would like to know more, please email Erin at erin.harder@cipo.ca