Canadian Plasma Resources, paying donors in Ontario

[Big Guy]

Manitoba has been paying people for their blood for the last 25 years. Proponents claim that there have been no problems and that blood shortages have been alleviated. A paid-donation system has been proposed for Toronto and Hamilton. The Ontario government, through Health Minister Deb Matthews, has declared that legislation will be introduced in early spring that will stop Canadian Plasma Resources from opening shop in Ontario.

I have tried to, but have been unable to find out just how much money people are being paid for their blood in Manitoba. I would appreciate anyone posting the answer to that query.

Is allowing pay-for-blood clinics in Ontario a good idea or a bad idea?

[TimG]

Is allowing pay-for-blood clinics in Ontario a good idea or a bad idea?

I would say the exploitative aspect of this system can be addressed with a good central IT system. I could see it working like this:

1) If you want to be paid you must agree to have your donation information stored in a DB accessible to all clinics.

2) You must provide government issued picture ID with your donation.

3) You will be prohibited from donating more frequently than what is deemed to be 100% safe from a medical perspective.

If you value your privacy - don't ask for payment.

If you don't/can't get government issued picture ID then you probably should not be donating.

Edited March 15, 2014 by TimG

[waldo]

Is allowing pay-for-blood clinics in Ontario a good idea or a bad idea?

although central to the issue, the real issue isn't "exploitative" paid donation (via a private competitor) versus voluntary unpaid donation. The real issue is the Ontario government/health ministry wanting to ensure safeguards and protect the quality/integrity of the 'blood services' supply.

to clarify, past Manitoba payments have been for separate plasma collection, not 'whole blood' donations (which, of course, also include plasma). This fits within the broader historical pattern of Canada importing, in the past, up to 70% of all plasma requirements from the U.S.. Ontario wants to extend a ban on payment to donors for both plasma and whole blood.

an April 2013 Health Canada report: Round Table Discussion on Payment of Plasma Donors in Canada

to me, there appears some uncertainty, possible contradiction, in that the Ontario Health Minister is quoted as stating:

"Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews said Canada is "self-sufficient" in both blood and plasma supplies and the province is not prepared to "take the risk of threatening the volunteer system". In a quick search I've not found a current reference as to the actual current level of plasma importing from the U.S. (if any?).

(note: aside from background information, the 70% plasma import from the U.S. was offered as a preemptive strike against 'he who trolls'... this being a reference that has been significantly beaten/trolled upon in prior MLW threads discussing Canada vs. U.S. medical systems)

[Shady]

I would give blood if it was more worth my while to take the time out if my day to do so.

[waldo]

I would give blood if it was more worth my while to take the time out if my day to do so.

how insightful to this thread... in that vein, what's the measure of your "while worth"?

[bush_cheney2004]

(note: aside from background information, the 70% plasma import from the U.S. was offered as a preemptive strike against 'he who trolls'... this being a reference that has been significantly beaten/trolled upon in prior MLW threads discussing Canada vs. U.S. medical systems)

Old news....discussed previously in other threads. Canada imports a lot of blood and tissue donations from the U.S., as domestic donations for same are amongst the lowest in the developed world. Why ?

[bush_cheney2004]

I would give blood if it was more worth my while to take the time out if my day to do so.

Aren't "bloodmobile" donation drives at places of employment routinely offered in Ontario ? If not, why not ?

[Boges]

There are blood clinics usually at a church or community centre or something. I've never seen a mobile blood donation clinic offered.

As with healthcare, Canada(or just Ontario) can maintain its self righteousness over a public healthcare system by using the US as a crutch.

Can get enough blood? Import some from the US. Are safeguards made to ensure imported blood isn't purchased?

It hypocrisy if you ask me.

[Moonlight Graham]

People don't get paid for blood everywhere in Canada already? That's weird. I'd rather we give money for blood than import blood from foreign countries, where we have little control or knowledge of their safeguards.

[Moonlight Graham]

I would say the exploitative aspect of this system can be addressed with a good central IT system. I could see it working like this:

1) If you want to be paid you must agree to have your donation information stored in a DB accessible to all clinics.

If you value your privacy - don't ask for payment.

I'd think it would be a good idea to have the contact info of the person giving blood no matter if they're paid or not.

[Guest]

I think we ought to be allowed to hang around the hospital and sell blood to the highest bidder.

[Shady]

how insightful to this thread... in that vein, what's the measure of your "while worth"?

I'd say about $25 dollars. At the very least.

[Shady]

Aren't "bloodmobile" donation drives at places of employment routinely offered in Ontario ? If not, why not ?

Usually only at pharmacies or public places.

[bleeding heart]

Must include the price of the steroids.

(I kid, I kid.)

[Scotty]

Usually only at pharmacies or public places.

No, they have bloodmobiles that visit large employers, at least here in eastern Ontario.

[Scotty]

Manitoba has been paying people for their blood for the last 25 years. Proponents claim that there have been no problems and that blood shortages have been alleviated. A paid-donation system has been proposed for Toronto and Hamilton. The Ontario government, through Health Minister Deb Matthews, has declared that legislation will be introduced in early spring that will stop Canadian Plasma Resources from opening shop in Ontario.

I have tried to, but have been unable to find out just how much money people are being paid for their blood in Manitoba. I would appreciate anyone posting the answer to that query.

Is allowing pay-for-blood clinics in Ontario a good idea or a bad idea?

The Ontario Liberals don't make decisions based on whether something is a good idea or not. They never have. It's how it feels that matters, whether it feels good, or feels morally proper or feels like it should be allowed, encouraged or banned as per liberal philosophical standards. Consequences and costs really don't enter into their decisions.

[WWWTT]

I would give blood if it was more worth my while to take the time out if my day to do so.

Sounds reasonable.

I use to give blood more frequently, but it's not easy and is exhausting on your system.

I can no longer afford to.

Nothing wrong with simple compensation.

WWWTT

[WWWTT]

how insightful to this thread... in that vein, what's the measure of your "while worth"?

Sounds like you are holding Shady to a higher moral standard than hospitals around the GTA!

Ever have to park your car at one to visit a sick family member?

WWWTT

[WWWTT]

The Ontario Liberals don't make decisions based on whether something is a good idea or not. They never have. It's how it feels that matters, whether it feels good, or feels morally proper or feels like it should be allowed, encouraged or banned as per liberal philosophical standards. Consequences and costs really don't enter into their decisions.

This comment has been proven, in my opinion!

WWWTT

[Big Guy]

From the Globe and Mail;

“However, a startup company called Canadian Plasma Resources is trying to open two private clinics in Toronto and one in Hamilton that would pay $25 per plasma donation, dispensed in retail gift cards.”

I assume that retail gift cards can be easily sold. A college student could eat for a few days on $25!

[Boges]

Gotta wonder how much the Canadian Blood Services spends on marketing trying to compel people to donate.

If you said Gift Cards given away for blood X location on Facebook you'd have people lined up around the corner.

Remember when Ontario's idiotic Premiere decided to give away grocery gift cards intended for people who were adversely effected by the December Ice Storm? People were showing up in BMWs trying to get the cards.

Edited March 17, 2014 by Boges

[Topaz]

IF one has "AB" which only 5% of the population has it, would you get more money? OR would "O" which mixes more to other blood types.

[guyser]

The Ontario Liberals don't make decisions based on whether something is a good idea or not. They never have. It's how it feels that matters, whether it feels good, or feels morally proper or feels like it should be allowed, encouraged or banned as per liberal philosophical standards. Consequences and costs really don't enter into their decisions.

You mean all politicians...right ?

[Big Guy]

Canadian Plasma has sunk $7 million into this business. Ontario says they will not be issued a license. Company says they do not need a license for their kind of operation. Both sides threatening to go to court.