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Iva Radman Blood Recipient, Survivor, and Inspiration for VBS’ Blood Lifeline program.

I don’t think people realize just how important blood products are to chemotherapy patients.To put it into perspective, I had seven cycles of regular chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, equaling somewhere around 22 infusions.Twelve of those infusions were blood, and ten were platelets.

SUMMER 2010

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The Semiannual Newsletter for the VBS Community

VBS Connecting Blood Donors to Patients

IN THIS ISSUE

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New Web and social media tool will link blood donors, based on their blood type, to patients needing specific blood products.

Virginia Blood Services has launched a pilot program to reach blood donors based on their blood types in order to collect specific blood products using the “VBS Blood Lifeline.”

The VBS Blood Lifeline is an online community (www.bloodlifeline.com) where users can become someone’s lifeline by signing up to be alerted when their blood type and a specific blood product, such as platelets, plasma or red cells, are needed by patients with matching blood types.

The mission is to become the lifeline of the community by acting as an intermediary between patients and donors in the Virginia area. We’re working closely with our local hospitals in order to determine

patients’ immediate blood needs. As a blood emergency arises, we’ll reach out to VBS Blood Lifeline registered donors who possess the patient’s specific blood product and type.

Lifeline participants can also stay up to date via a “Need Feed” and receive real-time status on blood and blood product needs within the community.

Inspiration for this program is Iva Radman, a stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivorand a loyal blood donation advocate.

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Sole Supplier to 22 Hospitals............2

NEW Facebook Application...............2

Letter from the President...................3

Donor Makes 375th Donation...........4

Society of 100...................................4

Welcome New Donor Groups...........5

Donor Commits for Life.....................6

Birthday Parties at VBS.....................6

Believes in Blood After Sister Survives....7

Cash Contributions............................7

In Kind Donations..............................8

ATTENTION CHARLOTTESVILLE DONOR CENTER PATRONS

! !The Charlottesville Donor Center will have a NEW location on August 3, 2010. Come visit us at 606 Albemarle Square. Call 800-989-4438 with any questions or to make an appointment.

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VBS Now Sole Provider of Blood to 22 HospitalsSpotsylvania Regional Medical Center Joins Blood Collection Efforts

On June 7, 2010, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center (SRMC) opened its doors as HCA Virginia’s newest facility and the 22nd hospital in which Virginia Blood Services (VBS) is the sole provider of blood.

In its first week of opening, the hospital saw many firsts, from a set of twins, to a heart attack, and its first blood drive. Over 50 hospital employees came out to give blood. Amongst them was Tim Tobin, SRMC Chief Executive Officer.

“It’s a great opportunity to continue to make a difference and practice life saving support,” Tobin said. “Folks need to take the time to do this good thing for the community.”

Tobin is a Richmond native and has been giving blood for more than 20 years. He supported the blood drive and encouraged his employees to donate if they could as he understands the importance of this life saving gift. Tim Tobin, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center’s CEO

donating blood at the hospital’s July 1 blood drive.

Her story has touched many people in our Virginia community and has inspired them to become regular blood donors.

When Iva was in treatment, there were not enough platelets in her blood type for her next transfusion, and she was forced to stay extra time in the hospital because of this.

We want to make sure that Iva’s unfortunate incident of unfilled blood inventory doesn’t happen to any other patient in need of a blood transfusion. It’s her story and many others around the world that have inspired VBS to create the Blood Lifeline Program.

Product specific blood donations are what will best help the patients VBS serves and are based on blood type.

“Healthcare providers are changing transfusion practices, therefore resulting in fewer transfusions to patients,” said Marly Fausz, Manager of Communications for Virginia Blood Services. “We are now striving to educate donors to give specific blood products based on their blood type and patient needs. The Blood Lifeline is the first step in that direction.”

VBS is actively promoting the Blood Lifeline via social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter, hoping to quickly build a large following. Those interested in becoming a part of the Blood Lifeline can visit the website www.bloodlifeline.com, or follow the twitter handle @valifeline.

(Continued from page 1)

There’s now an application on Virginia Blood Services’ Facebook page called “Ydonate” where users can schedule appointments directly from the VABlood fan page.

It works the same way as vadonor.com by searching for the closest blood donation center or mobile blood drive near the entered destination.

Even better, once an appointment has been made, Facebook users can “update friends” with one simple click. This will keep their network of friends up to date as well as prompt them to click through to check it out. Visit www.facebook.com/vablood to learn more.

The collection goal for the SRMC blood drive was 30, and VBS successfully collected 38 units of blood. Thank you to all who came out to support the drive.

SRMC is located in Fredericksburg and opened with services dedicated to women’s and children’s care, orthopedic, cardiac, and 24/7 emergency assistance, among others. It also offers high-tech imaging, in- and outpatient surgery, and related services.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Carden, Ph.D. President and CEOVirginia Blood Services

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SUMMER 2010

Letter from the President

Many of our donors often wonder if their blood type makes a difference. Whether their type is A, B, O, or AB, they have the opportunity to help save lives in a way that is significant for their blood type.

As stewards of the community’s blood supply, Virginia Blood Services’ (VBS) goal is to assure that each patient has the right component of the right blood type, in the right quantity, at the right time, and in the right place. To do that we are encouraging donors to make the type of donation - platelets, plasma, double red cells, or whole blood - that will have the greatest impact.

When donors make the right donation type for their blood type, they maximize the benefit of their donation to the patient. VBS is striving to better match the components we collect each day with the needs of the patients in the hospitals we serve throughout Central Virginia.

Part of our mission to provide a safe and reliable blood supply for our patients is to assure our hospitals

can trust that we will deliver the right blood type when needed. It’s vital when a blood transfusion is necessary. In this case, a patient must receive a blood type that is compatible with his or her own blood type—that is, the donated blood must be accepted by the patient’s own blood. If the blood types are not compatible, red blood cells will clump together, making clots that can block blood vessels and cause death.

Transfusions can be prescribed for many reasons, not just trauma, such as treatment for cancer, burns, organ transplants, and sickle cell anemia. Each of these operations may require different components; this is why if donors have the extra time, an automated donation could have the potential to save many lives of patients in our community.

This summer, VBS launched the pilot website www.bloodlifeline.com. This is a website where people can sign up to be a “lifeline”

to patients with their blood type in their community. Once signed up, notifications will be sent about patients in need or if a specific blood type is getting low in hospital inventory. It gives our donors the opportunity to learn what effect their donation could have by knowing exactly when they are needed and how they can help.

Next time you come in to donate, based on our patient and inventory needs, the time you have available, and the automated technologies at each donation location, we may ask you to donate specific blood components. This will help to make the most of your gift, and we hope that you will make the consideration.

Recipient Donor

O-

O-

O+

O+

A+

A+

A-

A-

B-

B+

B- B+

AB-

AB+

AB- AB+

What’s Your Type?Match what red blood cell type you can give and receive.

Frank Payne, of Mechanicsville, recently donated his 101st pint of blood with Virginia Blood Services. He’s been donating blood since August of 1987 and has not missed a beat since.

“Giving blood has been very enjoyable, the collectors are very professional and very caring,” Frank said. He decided to start donating blood because he was healthy and wanted to help. His wife, Anne Payne, is also a blood donor.

Because one pint of blood can save up to three lives, Frank could potentially have saved over 300 lives in his blood donating career.

Virginia Blood Services honors its committed blood donors for this achievement with the Society of 100 club. In order to be a member, a donor must have given blood 100 or more times. There is a gala held every other year in the members’ honor, with the next event approaching this September. There are currently over 500 members.

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Donor Highlight: 375 Donations and Going For their commitment, Virginia Blood Services honors the Society of 100, men and women who have donated over 100 times; however, Douglas Schutte and a small group of others are in a league of their own, warranting a Society of 250. As Virginia’s top donor, with a combined 375 platelet, whole blood, plasma, and white cell donations, Doug has the right to make the request for such a group. Since his move to Richmond from Pennsylvania in 1977 to become the chief investigator in the Attorney General’s office, Doug has avidly donated with VBS, but his first donation took place in 1976 at Princeton University, where he attended school. This self-employed private eye also spreads his enthusiasm for donating to the members of his church, the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, where he coordinates blood drives. The church hopes to reach its goal of 100 donations this year. When a boy from his church was diagnosed with leukemia, Doug switched to donating platelets in honor of him. While

lying contently in the donor bed, he says, “I felt strongly that donating was something good I could do to save someone’s life. I have since felt that it was my moral obligation.” The majority of the staff at VBS recognizes Doug and enjoys his visits to Emerywood Center. Donnie Ragland, collections supervisor, says, “He is probably the model donor because of how long he has stuck with donating, how punctual he is with his appointments, and how proud he is of his contributions. His pride really shines through.” Perhaps one day VBS will provide a Society of 250 as a gift to our model donor. For now, he has our gratitude and the pride of fulfilling his

moral obligation every few weeks.

Doug Schutte on his 375th donation with friends Donnie Ragland and Martha Eason.

Frank Payne prepares to give 101st donation.

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Welcome New Donor Groups

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1/01/10 - 6/01/10

Frank Payne prepares to give 101st donation.

SUMMER 2010

ALBEMARLECentury LinkChestnut Grove Baptist ChurchCovenant Church of GodFood Lion – Forest LakesVirginia Employment Commission

ASHLANDHometown Realty Richmond RestaurantWhitten Brothers

AUGUSTAAnytime Fitness Bentley CommonsMount Solon Post OfficeNew Life Four Square Gospel ChurchStaunton Walmart Rexnord Industries Robert E. Lee High School

BURKEVILLEEagle Scout Jordan Dalton – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Burkeville

CHARLOTTESVILLECharlottesville Fashion Square Mall First Nazarene ChurchFood Lion – Willoughby SquareUVA National Cesar E. Chavez Blood Drive ChallengeUVA LibraryUVA Housing DivisionUVA Jefferson Literary and Debating SocietyWoodard Properties

CHESTERFIELDGrand Oaks Apartments John Tyler Nursing ProgramWhitten Brothers

FLUVANNALee Tennis Court ProductsSalon DeShano

FARMVILLEFarmville Family Chiropractic New Life Assembly of God - In Honor of Kairi Beiler

FREDERICKSBURGGold’s Gym

GLEN ALLEN Allied InternationalHealthsource Chiropractic Best Buy Virginia Center CommonsWhole Foods

HARRISONBURGRed Front Supermarket

HENRICOMedical Careers InstituteOld Navy- VA Center Commons

POWHATANPowhatan Pharmacy

PRINCE GEORGEBrustersPrince George Masonic Lodge

LOUISADr. Andre’s OfficeMineral Rescue Squad

MECHANICSVILLEDrew Bridwell Eagle ScoutJonathon Owens Eagle ScoutNew Song United Methodist ChurchW. Baxter Perkinson & Associates Dental

ROCKBRIDGEKendal At Lexington

ROCKINGHAM Timberville Broadway Senior Center CITY OF RICHMONDASK Fun WalkBrusters at Bell CreekCAR POOLChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day SaintsCongregation Beth AhabaEnvoy of Westover Hills James River InsuranceHirschler FleischerLowes Brook Road Old Navy at Willow LawnSaint Bridget’s SchoolSam’s Club White Oak Mall Schettine & Nguyenl Style Craft Homes UPS Freight Service CenterWytestone Plaza

SANDSTONUS Post Office

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Nida Dovel donated blood on July 8th. She doesn’t recall exactly how many times she has donated. Many of us may not remember exactly how many units we have donated. But, forgetting those types of details, just one month shy of a 91st birthday, is certainly understandable.

Nida knows she has donated gallons of blood over the years. She provided evidence by pulling out an old but well-preserved donor card from her immaculate wallet. And, she recalls with great detail, her very first donation and why she gave. It was in 1944 that Nida rolled up her sleeve for the first time to give right down the road at the University of Virginia Hospital. Why does she remember that? Her sister was 21 years old at the time and was scheduled for a surgery that no longer is necessary with today’s modern medicine.

Nida’s sister had malignant hypertension and her prognosis was grim unless she underwent surgery. In the middle of the last century, this potentially fatal disorder was treated by a surgical procedure called Smithwick Sympathectomy. She described the procedure as removal of part of the rib cage. It was a radical surgery and Nida knew that blood transfusions would be required. When her sister was brought into the hospital her blood pressure was sky high – she recollected 260/180. So, like so many others who become donors, it’s a personal connection to a need that gets someone in the routine of giving. For Nida, it’s been a routine stretching into an eighth decade. It’s a routine for life.

Donating Blood, A Routine For Life

Nida Dovel donating blood at the Charlottesville Donor Center on Hydraulic Road.

Patty and friends celebrate her birthday at VBS. Pictured from left: David Ridderhof, Carol Ridderhof, Ron Rominiecki, Brandon Bruce, Patty Kruszewski, and Jim Wilson.

Birthdays aren’t all about parties, cake, and friends—they are an excuse for gifts. Consider this: rather than receiving gifts for this year’s birthday, give the gift of life to 3 patients in need. With friendly staff, snacks, and a commitment to the wellbeing of others, VBS blood centers make great locations for parties. Express your appreciation for life by providing someone else the opportunity to celebrate their next birthday. Patty Kruszewski, VBS’s first donor at the Emerywood location in October 2007, has celebrated her birthday with VBS since 2007. While working for the Henrico

Citizen newspaper, she covered a story about an engagement party here at VBS for a couple who met during a blood drive. Patty decided to adopt the idea and for three years has invited her friends to give blood in her honor around the time of her birthday.

This year, Patty, an ambassador of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, brought ten friends with her to donate, including 5 other ambassadors. The group socialized and refueled until everyone finished donating. VBS donors are invited to celebrate their birthdays in the same manner by asking friends to give the gift of life.

Donor Exchanges Birthday Gifts for Gift of Life

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Donors, patients—it’s all relative. For 18-year-old Whitney Robinson, donating blood is more than “doing the right thing.” It is personal. Blood transfusions from Virginia Blood Services helped to save the youngest of her five sisters.

At two months, Whitney’s sister, Maiyah, received her first blood transfusion. Early on, the family noticed that Maiyah was not gaining weight, and when they took her to the hospital, doctors discovered a hole and a tear on the left side of her heart.

The family rushed Maiyah to Chippenham Hospital PICU where her blood count was 2.8. Although she does not know the specifics of the transfusion, Whitney vividly recalls how “[Maiyah’s] color went from being pale to a beautiful pink.”

Since the initial transfusion, doctors diagnosed Maiyah with

Diamond Blackfan Anemia, a rare disease in which the bone marrow fails to produce red blood cells. She received five more transfusions before having heart surgery at the age of two. Maiyah is now seven years old and has not needed a transfusion since her surgery.

To this day, Maiyah’s struggle inspires Whitney to donate blood and to educate her classmates at Thomas Dale High School about

the importance of donations. She recognizes the importance of a personal story to motivate others and tells her friends at school about her little sister’s battle with this uncommon disorder.

She says, “I noticed that not many teens were giving blood, and I knew that nine times out of 10 if they heard the story from me, then they would give blood because I am their peer.”

Whitney donates whenever eligible and appreciates all the blood donors who help to save the lives of children like Maiyah. About other blood donors, she says, “I would like to tell them ‘thank you so much for giving blood. You don’t know how helpful you are to those who really need it.’”

Pictured from left: Whitney Robinson and her younger sister Maiyah Tanner.

SUMMER 2010

Believes in Blood After Sister Survives

Nida Dovel donating blood at the Charlottesville Donor Center on Hydraulic Road.

Friends 4 Life is dedicated for blood donors who give whole blood at least four times every year. Remember you can donate whole blood every 56 days, so this goal is very attainable! Platelet All-Stars is dedicated for platelet donors who give six or more successful donations. Donors can give platelets every 2 weeks, up to 25 times per year! Find more details online at www.vablood.org where you can also sign up for one of these programs.

Are you a member of Friends 4 Life or Platelet All-Stars?

In Kind Contributors1/01/10 - 6/01/10

www.vablood.orgwww.facebook.com/vabloodwww.twitter.com/vablood

Richmond Area:2825 Emerywood ParkwayRichmond, VA 23294

9200 Arboretum Parkway, Suite 102Richmond, VA 23236

4040-A Cox RoadGlen Allen, VA 23060

12212 Bermuda Crossing LaneChester, VA 23831

Charlottesville Area:606 Albemarle SquareCharlottesville, VA 22901

University of Virginia Medical CenterWest Hospital, Suite 1206Charlottesville, VA 22903

Augusta Health64 Sports Medicine DriveFishersville, VA 22939

Harrisonburg:RMH Blood Center100 E. Grace StreetHarrisonburg, VA 22801

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDRichmond, VAPermit No. 177

8VBS Lifelines is published by Virginia Blood Services’ communications department. Please call (804) 359-5100 or (800) 989-GIFT if you have comments, questions or suggestions.

NEW

Baker’s Crust - Short Pump Town CenterBREMAC Brusters Bell Creek Brusters Chesterfield Brusters Powhatan Cici’s Pizza Midlothian City Limit Estes Ettrick DeliFood Lion Gelati CelestiGreat Wraps - VCUHealthsource Chiropractic Iron Bridge Sports Park Jersey Mike’s-Ashland

Jersey Mike’s-Lakeridge PkwayJersey Mike’s-VCUJimmy John’s -MidlothianJimmy John’s - Three ChoptJersey Mike’s-VCUKrispy KremeMemorial Regional HospitalMIDAS of Richmond Nacho Mamas Old Navy - VA Center CommonsOld Navy- Chesterfield Towne Center Papa John’s Piccola Pizza - VCUPQ’s Barbeque Regal Cinema VA Center CommonsRegal Cinema Westchester Commons

Richmond International RacewayRomp N’ Roll Ruther Glen Shopping Center Sam’s Club - West Broad Shacklefords Short Pump Town CenterSouthern States St. Mary’s Hospital Superstars Pizza Texas Roadhouse Tropical Smoothie Whitlock Windy Hill