Two patients, including 22-year-old international student Rodiyat Alabede, have died after donating plasma at Grifols clinics in Winnipeg, prompting ongoing reviews by Health Canada and the blood donation company.
Alabede, from Nigeria, fainted during a donation at the Taylor Avenue location on October 25, 2025. Emergency responders rushed her to the hospital after her heart stopped, but she was pronounced dead en route. The second patient died on January 30 following a donation at a different Grifols location. Their identities and medical histories have not been disclosed by authorities.
Mary Ann Chika, a friend of Alabede, told CBC that the family has not received answers regarding the cause of her death.
“We’re all in the dark. It would give us a lot of closure to know what actually happened,” Chika said.
Investigations Underway
Both deaths were reported to Health Canada within the required 72-hour window. The agency said it is reviewing the cases but stated there is “no reason to believe” the deaths are directly linked to plasma donation.
Grifols issued a similar statement, emphasizing that “based on the information available at this time, we have no reason to believe that there is a correlation between the donors’ passing and plasma donation.”
The Spanish-based company, which operates in Winnipeg since acquiring Canadian Plasma Resources in 2022, offers donors up to $100 CAD per donation, with additional bonuses for frequent donors. Each plasma donation involves separating plasma from red blood cells through a process called plasmapheresis, which is returned to the donor’s bloodstream.
Plasma Donation Safety
Grifols requires donors to meet eligibility criteria, including age between 17 and 68, weight between 110 and 397 pounds, and residency within a 62-mile radius of the plasma center. Potential donors are also screened for medical conditions, including Crohn’s disease, Type 1 diabetes, and certain cancers.
“Every donor undergoes an extensive health history evaluation and physical examination before being deemed eligible to donate,” the company said in a statement to the Daily Mail. “The health and safety of our donors is our ultimate priority. We strive to operate under strict operational procedures at the highest standard.”
Plasma plays a vital role in the body, helping carry red blood cells to the lungs, maintain blood pressure, deliver nutrients, and remove waste products to the liver and kidneys. While plasma donation is generally considered safe, experts note that monitoring donor health and following strict protocols is critical to prevent complications.
The deaths have sparked concern among the local community and plasma donors, with calls for clearer communication about donor safety and transparency from blood collection organizations.
