Two People Die After Donating Blood at Clinic

Health officials in Canada are investigating after two people died following plasma donations at blood clinics in Winnipeg.

One of the victims has been identified as 22-year-old Rodiyat Alabede, an international student from Nigeria. She collapsed while donating plasma at a Grifols clinic on Taylor Avenue on October 25.

According to reports, Alabede fainted during the donation process and went into cardiac arrest. Emergency crews rushed her to the hospital, but she died before arriving.

A second donor also died after giving plasma at a different Grifols clinic in Winnipeg on January 30. Authorities have not publicly released that person’s identity.

Both deaths were reported to Health Canada within 72 hours, as required under federal regulations.

Alabede’s friend, Mary Ann Chika, said the young student’s family is still waiting for answers about what happened.

“We’re all in the dark,” Chika said. “It would give us a lot of closure to know what actually happened.”

Health Canada says it is reviewing both cases but currently has no evidence suggesting the deaths were caused by plasma donation itself.

Grifols, the international company that operates the plasma clinics, also said there is no indication the procedure was responsible.

“Based on the information available at this time, we have no reason to believe there is a correlation between the donors’ passing and plasma donation,” the company said in a statement.

Neither officials nor the company have released details about the donors’ medical histories or other possible health factors.

Grifols has operated plasma collection centers in Winnipeg since 2022 after acquiring Canadian Plasma Resources.

The company pays donors for plasma, sometimes offering up to about $70 to $75 U.S. per visit depending on promotions. Donors can give plasma up to twice within a seven-day period and may receive bonuses for frequent donations.

Before donating, people must pass a medical screening that includes a health questionnaire and a physical exam. During the procedure, a machine separates the plasma — the yellow liquid portion of blood — and returns the remaining blood cells back to the donor.

Plasma plays an important role in the body. It helps transport nutrients, maintain blood pressure, and carry cells through the bloodstream.

Grifols says donor safety is its top priority.

“Every donor undergoes an extensive health history evaluation and physical examination before being deemed eligible to donate,” the company said.

Health Canada’s investigation into the deaths is still ongoing.