Services

Overview of the services/programs that CIPO offers

PROVINCIAL CHAPTERS
Almost every province has a chapter of the national organization where regional services, and events are coordinated, and regular meetings are held.

HELPING HAND FUND
CIPO’s financial assistance fund is for patients with financial need. It is available to families and individual patients with immune deficiency with a demonstrated financial need. Funds are given for a number of reasons. A few are listed below: medical supplies, drugs, summer camp, travel expenses to and from hospital

FIRST CONTACT PROGRAM
Program pairs up our patient volunteers to newly diagnosed patients to provide support to the newly diagnosed patient to navigate the health care system.

ADVOCACY ON BLOOD PRODUCT ISSUES
CIPO advocates for immune deficient patients using IVIg (gammaglobulin-a blood product) in a number of ways. We have CIPO volunteers that have seats on advisory committees with both Canadian Blood Services and Hema Quebec on both a national and regional basis. We are part of the Canadian Hempholia Society Blood Safety Committee, and work with CHS to ensure patients continue to have the safest blood products available in Canada.

BI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON PRIMARY IMMUNE DEFICIENCY
CIPO hosts a conference on primary immune deficiency once every two years. The hostings city rotates around the country. International speakers renowned for their work in immune deficiency are brought in, and there are workshops etc. for patients, nurses and doctors. Hosted in different cities across Canada semi-annuallly.

SUPPORT GROUPS (ONLINE & IN PERSON)
CIPO moderates an email discussion group (go to contact page to click on link to join), a facebook group (named primary and secondary immune deficiency) and hosts both chapter and regional support meetings.