CBC News has reported that two individuals, including a 22-year-old international student, passed away after donating plasma at Winnipeg collection centers that compensate donors for their contributions. Health Canada is currently investigating the deaths, which occurred in October of last year and on January 30, 2026.
The federal health regulator has received reports of fatal adverse reactions in plasma donors but has not established a direct link between the plasma collection process and the fatalities. The company managing the centers stated that they see no connection between the deaths and the plasma donations.
Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old student from Nigeria studying at the University of Winnipeg, tragically lost her life on October 25 after donating plasma at the Grifols Plasma Donation Centre on Taylor Avenue. Alabede’s friend shared that she was a vibrant individual with aspirations of becoming a social worker to aid individuals with disabilities.
Following the incidents, Health Canada conducted on-site visits at the plasma collection centers to ensure compliance with safety standards. Grifols, a Spanish company operating plasma centers in Canada, expressed condolences for the donors’ passing and reiterated their commitment to donor safety.
Plasma donors at Grifols receive compensation, with payments of up to $100 per donation and additional bonuses for frequent donations. Health Canada mandates that all plasma collection establishments report any serious reactions experienced by donors during or after the donation process.
Experts in the field expressed surprise at the deaths, emphasizing that plasma donation is generally safe, with fatalities being extremely rare occurrences. The hematologist Dr. Ryan Zarychanski noted that adverse reactions during plasma donation are uncommon, likening the risk to being struck by lightning.
Grifols emphasized that donor safety is their top priority, conducting thorough health evaluations and examinations before allowing individuals to donate plasma. The company stated they are cooperating with the review process and are committed to ensuring compliance with regulations to safeguard donors’ well-being.
The eligibility criteria for plasma donation include age restrictions between 17 and 68, specific weight requirements, a health questionnaire, recent meal intake, and restrictions on recent blood donations or body modifications. Health Canada encourages provinces to regulate plasma donation practices to ensure donor safety and adherence to guidelines.
