Tracking Transfusions

Groundbreaking news in the world of transfusions released from the CDC and AABB this week.

This is the nation’s first surveillance system to track adverse events in patients who receive blood transfusions, and the CDC is also encouraging healthcare facilities to utilize this new system.

Part of the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network, the new Hemovigilance Module is an Internet-based surveillance system that allows healthcare-associated infection data to be tracked and analyzed so the CDC and healthcare facilities can maximize prevention efforts. The CDC developed the system with AABB (American Assoc. of Blood Banks), an international association that represents people and institutions involved in activities related to transfusion and cellular therapies, including transplantation medicine.

Healthcare facilities that join the Hemovigilance Module will now have a mechanism by which to measure their current safety initiatives and their future efforts. Through this system, healthcare facilities can see how their performance stacks up to similar facilities nationwide, with a goal of designing the best processes to protect patients' health and reduce healthcare costs.

The CDC will provide the module at no cost to healthcare facilities, and will also provide training and ongoing user support at no charge to hospitals.

Currently, the US is the only developed country that does not have an established method to track and monitor adverse events associated with blood transfusion on a national level.

This is a fantastic advancement for the US and for transfusions recipients - we will have more confidence in the transfusion and a way to successfully track the transfused blood in case of any unforeseen event.

18 Gallons and Counting

Can you imagine how many lives you could save with just one gallon of blood? What about 18 gallons? Well, in Central Virginia, Lynn Rutherford-Snow has done just that.

Lynn Rutherford-Snow has given blood every year since 1974, when Virginia Blood Services comes to her job. She says she used to give the gift of life five times a year, but is now down to four.

Rutherford-Snow says it's just a good thing to do, but it's a little different now than when she started. "I'm getting older and of course my skin is getting tougher, but that's why I have my lady right here. I'm picky; I have to have a certain one to draw my blood."

A spokesman from Virginia Blood Services says blood bank levels are okay right now, but more than 50 drives were cancelled during the winter storms.

More than 50 drives cancelled due to snow? That's a lot to make up - so, why haven't you donated today?

(Main story from NBC 29)

Cold Weather and Anemia

Well, if you live in the Mid-Atlantic region, no doubt you have been experiencing some of the most extreme cold/snowy weather we have ever had. With that said, as a severe anemic, the issues are compounded by the sustained cold weather.

Everyone gets cold hands and feet sometimes, especially during winter. The difference is that those suffering from severe Anemia (such as myself) will lose blood circulation in their outer extremities at the slightest change in temperature. In these cases, the fingers and toes turn white or take on a bluish tinge as they get colder, and they may feel painful or numb. When they warm up again, they become red as the blood returns and may throb with pain for a few minutes to several hours, depending on the severity of the reaction.

Struggling to keep up with the snow, I've been shoveling in two hours shifts, yet the swelling and severe tingling in my hands have made my shifts shorter and more frequent. Constant monitoring to ensure safety is crucial while trying to keep dry and warm is a challenge since dampness leads to chilliness quickly.

Iron deficiency Anemia (IDA) is usually viewed as easy to treat - and in most cases it is. However, there are also many of us that do not fall into that category and while under treatment, continue to deal with the daily effects of the disease.

One of the major problems can be heart related. The heart is affected when there is a lack of oxygen in the body, and then the heart has to work harder to get enough oxygen throughout the body. Over time, this stress on the heart can lead to a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, an enlarged heart, and even heart failure in some cases. All of which is on my mind, as I shovel over and over again.

Baby it's cold outside takes on new meaning for Anemics everywhere - so the advice of the day - bundle up, watch the signs and stay warm.

Gift of Warmth Reminder and Other Happy Notes

Just a reminder that this February is the Gift of Warmth promotion for the American Red Cross (MA Blood Services).

With snowfall totals in record numbers, people are not able to get to donor sites and this will impact regional blood supplies. When it becomes safe to travel in your area, please consider donating - it will be greatly appreciated!

In other happy news, the Red Cross will be utilizing my story again in the summer months for another baseball card campaign - this time in the state of Maryland. I am so excited to be reaching farther and touching more lives and know that through the Red Cross and my story, we can save lives. Connecting donors to the lives that they save is crucial in realizing the impact of donation.

The Ultimate Valentine's Gift

Not quite sure what to get for your sweetheart this year for Valentine's Day? How about the gift of life!

Give your valentines something a little different this year. From February 7th - 14th, you can donate blood in honor of them and present them with a Valentine's “In Honor Of” card. You can take as many cards as you like and give the gift of life in your valentines' names. What better present? Make this Valentine’s Day special by giving the gift of life.

To find a complete list of drives in your area or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.weneedblood.org. Appointments can be made for many drives.

Go Red for Women Luncheon

Some days, the shoes hurt and the day is long but in the end, the cause is worth the pain and the joy is worth the work.

That's exactly how I felt as the day wrapped up after a fantastic Go Red for Women event at the historic Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. With heart disease as the leading cause of death for women, Go Red raises awareness through many events and the Luncheon, coupled with an auction is also a great way to raise funds for the charity.


The silent auction was a bounty of gifts galore. From golf lessons, exotic trips, to gym memberships and maid services there was something for everyone. Whether you enjoyed wine or fine art, you could find something to bid on in every price point to suit every budget.

This event was sold out, and it sold out in December. A gathering of over 300 supporters, they came ready to bid and ready to share the message of saving lives through education, prevention, and support.

I had the pleasure of helping with the Red Dress Promise Photos. Women (and even one brave gentleman) had their photo taken with the signature Red Dress and in turn, each woman received the Polaroid while making a personal promise to keep their heart healthy.

There were ladies there with friends, mothers with daughters, co-workers, etc...but they were all there to not only support the cause but to help emphasize the mission to educate other women about their health.

Being there to volunteer was a fantastic experience but more importantly, being surrounded by 300+ women/men who care so deeply for a cause was impressive and invigorating.