Safe Blood Africa

As The Foundation for America's Blood Centers (FABC) works to support it's affilliates in North America, it is also mindful of the millions in need around the world.

Evident in it's recent effort to assist with the devastation in Japan, it's outreach to Haiti, and it's assistance after Hurricane Katrina, the FABC seeks to improve the lives of those in need. One that the FABC supports to do just that is the "Safe Blood Africa Project".

The FABC believes that no man, woman, or child should die for lack of access to a safe and adequate blood supply. Working together with The Safe Blood Africa Project—an initiative started by the Rotary Club of Carmel Valley—four California-based not-for-profit blood centers will help bring safe blood programs to Nigeria. Dumbfounded when they learned of needless deaths because safe blood was simply not available, professionals from BloodSource (Sacramento), Stanford Blood Center, Northern California Community Blood Center (Eureka) and Blood Bank of the Redwoods (Santa Rosa) stepped up to save lives. Three of these blood centers are members of America’s Blood Centers, which collects half the U.S. blood supply.

This U.S. blood banking team is committed to teaching Nigerians to encourage blood donation by volunteer donors and to teach Nigerians how to collect, test, process and transfuse blood in the safest way possible. Working together with Rotary Clubs across the United States and in Nigeria, as well as funding sources that can support this effort, the goal is to create sustainable blood donor and transfusion medicine programs in Nigeria that will assure that no child dies needlessly because safe blood is not plentiful.

I have stressed before that the need for safe and clean blood supply affects every individual in every corner of the world. In the moment of an emergency, there is not time to question if the hospital near your home or while you are on vacation is ready to handle your need for blood, so programs like the "Safe Blood Africa Project" are working on your behalf.

If you are interested in supporting the "Safe Blood Africa Project" through donations, please visit this America's Blood Center link for more information.

Students to the Rescue!

Today could not have started out to be a more dreary day, the rain was falling and the temperature had dropped. Regardless, I knew that I would have to be up and out the door early so that I could make it back to EVHS for the blood drive.

Upon arrival things were well underway thanks to the amazing Mr. Miller. He is one of those teachers that the students seem to love and he seems to love the opportunity to give back. On Monday I had spent the day with him going to the various classes and today he was in supervisor mode. I did have to giggle a little because although he takes such time, heart, and dedication to organize the drive, he does not donate because, like many others, the experience is just too much. No worries, there are plenty that can't, and more that are willing.

The Seniors were the first donors of the day and as they came in and went through the medical review, testing and then to donate, I was able to visit with most of them for at least a few minutes each. I learned that this was a class that had goals - many are off to college in the fall - some in Virginia and some can't wait to get out; others are joining the Army or Marines; some are attending community colleges and even a few more are joining the work force upon graduation. I was certainly impressed with their desire to save the lives of others and to pursue their own dreams.

As the Juniors started to donate, it was the first time for many and the nervousness was in the air. They were brave and I enjoyed the opportunity to talk to quite a few just as the needle was being set, it kept them distracted and hopefully, a little relaxed.

There were a few deferrals and a few that needed a little extra rest after donating and even a few that did the double cell donation. It was a day for saving lives, nearly 450 to be exact.

A few students were true standouts of the day - John "Dragon", well he was a willing donor I can only hope that his fantastically sharp wit and sense of humor is tamed for the recipient; Stacy was a gem and he brought a cheery disposition to the morning; and Heather, whom I first met when I judged Miss EVHS last week, desires to be a nurse and took the time to hold the hand of a friend as she was having difficulty donating. There were many more that volunteered during the day and were at the ready for any need. Whether they donated or volunteered, every student involved in the day was critical to the positive outcome that occurred.

To the students, thank you for having the courage to step forward to save lives. Your act of kindness will go on for years and will be appreciated beyond what you will ever know. This was a wonderful day in my hometown community and I am so pleased to know that the next generation is willing to do so much by giving so little of themselves.

A free scrapbook design by Smilebox

A Cyclonic Day!

What a fast and furious Monday! I went back to high school for the day, and let's just say, I'm a little out of the loop!

I had the pleasure of being at Eastern View HS all day Monday to recruit blood donors for the upcoming drive on Thursday. The goal set was for 80, well, we were successful in recruiting over 140 students and I anticipate a slight increase in the number as some just needed to think about it or discuss it with their parents.

I visited quite a few classes and enjoyed seeing all of the students, although I did learn that I have either become very conservative with age; am out of touch with what students wear or think; and am NOT looking forward to when my daughter gets to high school.

All in all the day was a great deal of fun and the students are truly excited to participate in the blood drive. I look forward to sharing the full results later this week and am confident that the Cyclones will be saving a lot of lives!

Blood Cell Cloaking

Back in August of 2010 I wrote a post about Synthetic Blood Products and how it could change the face of saving lives through blood transfusions. Now, there isn't any new news to report on that, however, there is a new development in the process of blood cell cloaking.

Cloaking? Yes, scientists are currently researching/testing the possibilities of a universal blood supply. Coating blood cells with an immunological camouflage could one day lead to a new type of blood product that avoids the problem of A,B,O,± blood typing currently required for transfusion patients. Chemists have been hoping to make synthetic blood for many years; such a product could be useful when there are shortages of donor blood, particularly in emergency situations, natural disasters and on the battlefield. The same products might also circumvent the issue of blood type, which makes it impossible for some patients to receive blood from donors with another type. Generally, some people are universal donors, but universal recipients are rare and most people must receive cross-matched blood.

Maryam Tabrizian and Sania Mansouri of McGill University, in Montreal, together with Yahye Merhi of the Montreal Heart Institute and Francoise Winnik of the University of Montreal note that blood type matching prior to transfusion is a rather difficult proposition. There are the familiar ABO blood types with which medical staff must contend as well as the Rh (rhesus) and other factors; in total there are 29 different red blood cells types. Depending on the precise correlation between donor blood and the patient's own blood type problems can arise from simple immune reaction and shock to organ failure or death. Some blood types are rare others much more common, finding suitable donors at short notice when a rare type arises in surgery can be difficult. The issue is compounded by the high cost of blood type matching.

The chemical shell acts as a cloaking device, masking the proteins and peptides on the surface of the red blood cell that would otherwise trigger an immune response in a non-matched patient. It should be noted that oxygen can still penetrate the shell so that the red blood cells can carry on their normal function of supplying oxygen to body cells. As a patient recuperates, they produce their own new, healthy red blood cells to displace the camouflaged cells, which are ultimately broken down and excreted as waste products.

The results of this study mark an important step toward the production of universal red blood cells. While it's still years away from being used, the possibilities of ending blood supply shortages are on the distant horizon.

(Info from recent NMR Spectroscopy article)

Can Awkward Sparkle?

Have you ever just had one of those days, well, weekends where it was so busy and so full of fun that the awkward moments just really didn't matter? Well this past weekend was just that for me.

I knew all along that I had somehow managed to schedule myself a weekend full of pageants. It is that season and being an avid fan (that is putting it mildly) I had the opportunity to attend one pageant to watch, another to emcee and yet another to judge. I was even asked to attend another on Sunday, but my better judgement finally kicked in and I said I needed the down time. Regardless, it was going to be fun.

Friday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the Miss Orange County Pageant. I enjoyed watching the young ladies compete for the $1,000 scholarship especially since this is the same type of local, high school pageant that set me on my path so many years ago. I was even able to connect with some of the ladies that I had judged for/with the previous weekend in Madison.

Saturday was going to be my long day and it was only made longer by a set of awkward, yet seemingly hysterical events that took place before I ever left the house. I should preface all of this by stating that being tardy is by far, my biggest pet peeve. Having gotten myself all together in the morning, along with my daughter since she was tagging along for the day, keys in hand and walking out the door, I had managed to catch my NEW dress on the door handle which proceeded to rip a hole right in the side. Well, short on time I ran upstairs, slipped on another dress only to catch the zipper which proceeded to break. Now, the self-pressure to not-be-late was setting in, I was frantic to find something else to wear all the while a very sassy 11 year old says, "Mom, aren't we going to be late?". Gosh, I hadn't thought of that! So, I grabbed the next thing I saw and headed out the door to the first pageant of the day, "Miss Luck of the Irish" - a fundraiser pageant put on by Miss Shenandoah Co Fair, Megan Loving.

I should note that we did arrive on time, and no, there was no speeding involved! I enjoyed emceeing the pageant in the morning and was able to share lots of laughs and special moments with familiar faces and new friends. That adventure was done and off to the next.

A few months back I was invited to judge the Miss Eastern View HS pageant here in my home town. Once we returned from Woodstock, I knew I would have about an hour to relax, change and be on the way. I made the mistake of kicking off my shoes and sitting down. In that "moment" I closed my eyes to rest and wouldn't you know it, got a few too many winks, woke up and realized I had minutes to get to the high school. Oy vey I say! A quick dash, change of earrings, and out the door I went. Yes, only to come right back because I forgot my purse, camera and phone. So, in this case, I was a few minutes late. Awkward is what I felt arriving 10 minutes behind schedule...not my best moment, but we are all human!

I had the pleasure of judging this pageant with Miss Virginia, Caitlin Uze and other local community members. The girls were judged based upon opening number, talent and evening gown with their GPA factored into the overall score. Not bad for a $2,000 scholarship pageant!

At the end of the weekend, I have seen quite a few ladies win a crown and showing me that no matter how awkward (or bad) a day may be, it can never diminish the sparkle that we all have inside.

Congratulations to all of this weekend's winners, may the road on your journey be glittered with moments of love, laughter, memories of a lifetime and even a bit of awkwardness!

Make your own picture collage

Tsunami & Earthquake: How Can I Help?

The Foundation for America's Blood Center (FABC) is already mobilizing into action in order to assist those blood centers that may be impacted by the recent Earthquake and Tsunami that are now affecting much of the western world including in the United States.

As I have stated in the past, no US organization can ship blood products to other countries until it is requested, but it must be on the supply shelves first - which requires regular donations and commitment from thousands of volunteers.

The FABC is offering a way for you to help, of course you can always donate blood, but another way to assist is by texting the word "BLOOD" to 85944 to donate $5 to FABC (up to 3 times/billing cycle). Through April, all text donations will benefit blood services impacted by this tragedy. It takes more than blood to save lives with blood.

The FABC is a 501(c)(3) public education organization dedicated to help ensure a safe and adequate blood supply for all Americans. The Foundation provides funding for educational programs that promote and raise awareness of the need for volunteer blood donation for members of America’s Blood Centers.


Founded in 1962, America's Blood Centers (ABC) is North America's primary network of non-profit community blood centers. ABC operates blood centers across the US and in Canada. The FABC also supports the Safe Blood Africa Project. The need for a safe blood supply is truly an international need.

INCEPT: Pararescue - Saving Lives From Above

Welcome to another installment from Stephen Smith, a partner in saving lives at INCEPT. He takes a closer look at the men and women saving lives through blood donation by the military.

There are plenty of stories of medics running through hailstorms of bullets to rescue a downed soldier on the front lines during World War II. The medics on the beaches of Normandy and in the frozen forests during the Battle of the Bulge are so well known that they have become the stuff of legend, the subject of novels and movies alike. But modern-day life saving has taken on a new aspect of difficulty on today’s battlefields.

Battles are no longer fought between two sides dug into opposing trenches, where there is a clear front line. They are now fought in urban environments, deserts and mountains, places where there is no clear line to indicate that you’re “on the safe side.” Because of this, one of the most practical ways to get lifesaving treatment – often times including blood products – to those in need during conflict is to drop it from above.

When a civilian or member of the U.S. Armed Forces is in need of rescue from a hostile environment, the Department of Defense turns to its elite emergency rescue force, The U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen(also called “PJs”).

These elite lifesavers endure some of the most difficult training the U.S. Military has to offer. They must not only be able to get into potentially hostile environments and locate those in need of rescue,but then administer the care necessary to save the lives of those injured.

While technology has caught up somewhat, in the form of developing projects like the ability to use GPS to guide air-dropped care packages containing medical supplies from unmanned aircraft to medics on the ground, improvements are always ongoing. For instance, the PJs recently began carrying blood products with them into hostile environments. Previously, if a downed soldier needed a blood transfusion, it meant undertaking a risky evacuation (often involving a dangerous helicopter pickup) to get the injured individual back to a secure medical facility.

When the bullets are flying, however, that isn’t always an option.Enter the PJs. They drop in to provide immediate protection and lifesaving care.By carrying blood products with them, they only increase their effectiveness. Simply put, the USAF PJs are the best of the best at saving lives from above.

To learn more about the PJs use of blood products, please visit the Armed Services Blood Program website and read the following story, PJs Carry Blood Again, Increase Survival Rates.


Take the time to not only donate blood, but if you donate at a local base or military facility, you too can help save the lives of those fighting for our freedom.

A Fun Night in Madison!

A few months ago I was asked to judge the Miss Madison Scholarship Pageant by good friend, Erin Stickler. I met Erin last year when I judged another pageant for her and she later competed with me for the title of Mrs. Virginia International. It is always a delight to have new friends in pageantry and in life.

I was part of a three member panel of judges that had the pleasure of interviewing Jr. Miss and Miss contestants. These were delightful young ladies that love their county and truly wanted to do their best. I will say that this had to be the most fun judging panel I have had the pleasure to be on, we laughed and enjoyed ourselves all day!

Here are a few photos from the evening and congratulations to the new Jr Miss, Miss and Mrs. Madison County!

Digital collage made with Smilebox

A Longer Shelf Life?

Well, there is some recent news that Whole Blood may have a longer shelf life by 11 days than originally thought - check out the latest press release from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia:

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a finding that may potentially improve survival from war injuries and disasters, laboratory researchers report that refrigerated whole blood may have a shelf life well beyond the current standard of 24 to 48 hours.

"We have found that whole blood retains its clotting properties at least 11 days under standard refrigeration," said the study leader, David Jobes, M.D., a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist in the Cardiac Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "If this lab discovery can be confirmed in human subjects, it may lead to a change in clinical practice, and possibly to improved survival for massively transfused patients."

The majority of patients receiving blood transfusions only require specific components of whole blood, such as red blood cells, plasma and platelets. However, whole blood may be preferable in specific situations such as infant heart surgery and combat casualties.

The definition of freshness of whole blood with respect to its clotting properties has not been systematically studied. The current practice at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia assumes a fresh whole blood shelf life of 48 hours when refrigerated. After that point, the red blood cells may be recovered from the whole blood, but the other components, such as plasma and platelets must be discarded. "In any case, postponed surgeries currently waste resources," said Jobes.

The study appears in the January 2011 issue of the journal Transfusion.

Based on reports from military clinicians and on the authors' own observations in pediatric cardiac surgery, Jobes and colleagues did a laboratory study to measure the duration of blood coagulation properties in refrigerated whole blood.

The researchers used 21 units of whole blood from healthy volunteer donors, performing the study in the hematology and coagulation laboratory led by Long Zheng, M.D., Ph.D., in the clinical laboratory at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. They found that thromboelastography (TEG) and platelet aggregation levels, which measure the efficiency of blood coagulation, remain normal at least 11 days under standard refrigerated conditions.

If these results hold up under follow-up studies in human subjects, a change in current practice could increase the availability and usefulness of whole blood, especially in military or disaster relief situations, and in remote locations. "Trauma patients could potentially benefit, as well as others needing a large volume of blood replacement, such as patients undergoing liver transplant or children who need craniofacial reconstruction," said Jobes.

Furthermore, Jobes added, more efficient use of donated whole blood, besides reducing wastage, could lower the number of donors needed, and thus increase safety by reducing the risks of inadvertently transmitting blood borne viruses.

This is certainly good news on the blood collection front and can lead to saving more lives, let's hope that more facilities do their own research and implement change, lives are depending on it.