Two Plasma Donors Die at Grifols Clinics in Canada

Health Canada investigating deadly adverse reactions at for-profit plasma collection centers

Mar. 11, 2026 at 11:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Canada health officials are investigating the deaths of two people who donated plasma at for-profit clinics operated by Spanish healthcare company Grifols in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The deaths occurred just over three months apart, with one victim being a 22-year-old international student. Health Canada has dispatched staff to inspect the clinics after the incidents were reported, though the company claims there is no evidence the deaths were linked to the plasma donation process.

Why it matters

The deaths raise concerns about the safety of paid plasma donation, an increasingly common practice in Canada as for-profit clinics have expanded in recent years. This comes decades after Canada's tainted blood scandal in the 1980s, which led to major reforms and the establishment of a non-profit national blood supply system. Patient advocates are calling for greater transparency from both the company and health authorities regarding the risks of plasma donation.

The details

The two victims died after donating plasma at Grifols clinics in Winnipeg. One was a 22-year-old international student, while the other's identity was not released. Health Canada said it received reports from the clinics about deadly adverse reactions following the procedures. Grifols, which operates 17 plasma clinics across Canada, said it had launched an internal investigation but claimed there was no evidence the deaths were linked to plasma donation.

  • The first death occurred in October 2025.
  • The second death occurred in January 2026.

The players

Grifols

A Spanish healthcare company that operates 17 plasma donation clinics across Canada, including two in Winnipeg.

Rodiyat Alabede

A 22-year-old international student from Nigeria and the Ivory Coast who died after donating plasma at a Grifols clinic in Winnipeg in October 2025.

Health Canada

The federal department that regulates plasma clinics in Canada and dispatched staff to inspect the Grifols clinics after the deaths.

Curtis Brandell

A blood safety proponent and president of the independent British Columbia chapter of the Canadian Hemophilia Society, who has criticized the lack of transparency around the deaths.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She had a motherly side to her, she was protective and sweet. She never gave up, even when things got difficult for her.”

— Chioma Ijoma, Nursing student and friend of Rodiyat Alabede (The New York Times)

“The public has a right to be made aware of the risks involved with going to these centers. Transparency is key not only for safety but for public trust.”

— Curtis Brandell, Blood safety proponent and president of the Canadian Hemophilia Society (The New York Times)

What’s next

Health Canada said it is continuing its investigation into the deaths and has not yet determined if they were linked to the plasma donation process.

The takeaway

The deaths at the Grifols plasma clinics raise serious questions about the safety and oversight of the for-profit plasma donation industry in Canada, especially in light of the country's troubled history with tainted blood products. Calls for greater transparency and rigorous safety standards are likely to intensify as a result of these tragic incidents.