Vol. 31 No. 6 A publication of the South Central Association of Blood Banks Aug., Sept., Oct. 2005

IN THIS ISSUE

Carol Baker NamedExecutive Director ofTexoma Blood Center

The Board of Trustees ofthe Texoma RegionalBlood Center has namedCarol Ann Baker ExecutiveDirector. She will beresponsible for all adminis-trative, technical, educa-tion, and compliancefunctions at the Sherman,Texas Blood Center, whichis a member of America’sBlood Centers.

Ms. Baker has 11 years of experience in both staffand management positions at Texoma BloodCenter. She succeeds Pat Richardson, who died inMay after a long illness. She had been director ofTexoma since 1989.

“The Board of Trustees is thrilled to have Carolassume the role of Executive Director for theBlood Center,” Board Chairman Warren Jamiesonsaid.

“As our area continues to grow, we feel that it isimportant to the five hospitals served and the cit-izens of our three counties that the Blood Centerremain independent. With Carol’s experience andenthusiasm, we feel that she and the staff will beable to accomplish this goal by increasing ourdonor base and meeting the needs of our hospi-tals.”

Ms. Baker is a graduate of the University ofOklahoma’s School of Business. She also has anAssociate’s Degree from Grayson County Collegein Medical Lab Technology, a BS degree inMedical Biology from Southeastern OklahomaState University, and a Blood Bank TechnologistCertification from the American Society ofClinical Pathology.

Reprinted from the ABC Newsletter, July 28, 2005with the permission of America’s Blood Centers.

Mentor Program Launched . . . . . . . . . .1President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Bill Teague Lecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Member News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62006 Annual Meeting Information . . . .7

Protégé Mentorship Program LaunchedSince the first South Central Annual Meeting,thousands of blood banking professionals haveadvanced the science of blood banking andtransfusion medicine to the level it is today.This has occurred in part through the profes-sional growth of our members as the result ofcollaboration and networking through SouthCentral membership. It is the desire of theSouth Central Board of Directors for this legacyto continue.

Our current President, Paula Kelley, has request-ed that a formalized mentorship program becreated in time for the 48th Annual Meeting.The program, once initiated, would provide amechanism to welcome new members andensure that their first meeting would be wellworth the time and resources invested. In addi-tion, it would function as another tool toenhance members’ professional development.The program would also help identify futureRising Star candidates and enlist them and theirtalents in this organization.

With this request in mind, a South Centralmentorship program is being piloted this year.The program is called the Protégé MentorshipProgram. A protégé is one who is prestigiouslyselected to carry on the work, knowledge andpassion of another. It is the hope of the SouthCentral Board of Directors that this programwill promote goodwill and professional collabo-ration among our membership, allow all of usto better enjoy and benefit from the AnnualMeeting, and strengthen our education initia-tive as stated in our mission statement.

To be considered for this program, a SouthCentral member must first apply and designateone’s desire to be a Protégé or a Mentor.Application forms are forthcoming in the nextissue of Pulse and will also be available on-lineat www.scabb.org and in your mailbox!

Mentors and protégés will be paired togetherbased on mutual interest and background. Thefirst class of the Protégé program will be smallto ensure the needs of the participants are met;therefore, only 10 pairs of applicants will beselected.

The basic charges to each of the members ofProtégé are to have quarterly contacts and com-plete projects together. They may also attendsome of the Annual Meeting events, sessions,and exhibits together; however, attendance atthe Annual Meeting is not a requirement to be

considered for the program. It is our desire thateach of the members who are accepted into theProtégé Mentorship Program will enthusiastical-ly engage themselves in this endeavor.

If you are interested in the Protégé MentorshipProgram and need more information, please contact Elizabeth Waltman at ewaltman@bloodsystems.org or Sarah Jones at sjones@giveblood.org.

“Mentor: Someone whosehindsight can become your

foresight” Anonymous

Dear South CentralColleagues and Friends,As this edition of PULSE goes to print, thedestruction that is the aftermath of HurricaneKatrina grows increasingly dire with each newsreport. The impact on our member states ofLouisiana and Mississippi is devastating. Howcan we help? As individuals, we can contributeto the relief efforts of the emergency manage-ment agencies already in action. As a transfu-sion medicine community, we will work togeth-er to supply the blood products and medicalservices in areas whose community blood cen-ters and hospitals were decimated. As anAssociation, we can support our members, theirfamilies, and their communities, by incorporat-ing a new element to our annual meeting – aservice project. The concept of a “meeting witha mission” was presented by Karla Darnall,Director of Operations at Etcetera Events, ourAssociation Manager. What was “something toconsider” back in July, is now essential andtimely. Watch for more information in PULSEand on our web site www.scabb.org. Ourthoughts and prayers are with all those affectedby this disaster.

Paula Kelly, President

Connect & Know!For more information

on mentoring visitwww.mentoringgroup.com

CALL FOR AWARD NOMINATIONSPRESIDENT’SMESSAGEBy: Paula Kelley

Legends of the GameTexas Ranger legendNolan Ryan said: “My

job is to give my team a chance to win.” Ryan’sphilosophy is shared by the South Centralboard of directors, committee chairs, and staffat central office. We want to give you, ourSouth Central teammates, a chance to win!Working together to support our Association’smission “to provide opportunities for membersto enhance their abilities to deliver qualityblood services” is our game plan.

The Association’s interim board meeting washeld July 25-26th in Arlington, Texas, site of our2006 annual meeting. Leading off the pre-meet-ing agenda was a team building exercise -- wegathered at Ameriquest Field to cheer on theRangers and celebrate Immediate Past PresidentJim Rutledge’s birthday. The Rangers weredefeated, but the board survived the Texas heatand went on to declare a win over a very ambi-tious agenda. Much of the Association’s work isaccomplished at this meeting, including reviewand approval of committee reports and recom-mendations, as well as annual meeting planningactivities.

“Take Me Out to the Blood Bank” was selectedas the theme of the 2006 annual meeting,inspired by our meeting venue. The LocalArrangements Team, led by Jo McKelvey andMorris Dixon, are in training to deliver a grand-slam meeting experience. Plan to attend socialactivities designed to promote networking,camaraderie, and the valuable educationalexchange that occurs outside of the classroom.

Baseball is featured prominently in the meetingtheme and logo and the Administrative,Technical/Scientific, and Donor Recruitmentand Collections Program Teams have all theirbases covered! Something of interest to every-one will be featured in the educational program.Industry Workshops and Ask the Experts returnby popular demand. Exciting new additions tothe program include a Physician’s BreakfastForum, Special Interest Groups, and a partner-ship with AABB to support a New AssessorTraining Workshop.

“Legends of South Central” past, present, andfuture, all figure prominently in annual meetingplans. Former local arrangements chair turnedSouth Central historian, Janet Vincent, is scout-ing the archives for photos of Legends Past.Kodak moments from our Association’s twenty-eight year history will be featured in a videoproduction at the annual meeting’s openingreception. If you have a significant piece ofSouth Central memorabilia that you would liketo contribute, please contact Janet atjvincent@utmb.edu.

Legends present, our South Central award win-ners, will be honored at the President’sReception and Awards Banquet held at Legendsof the Game Baseball Museum at AmeriquestField. Expect an exceptional evening and awardsbanquet unlike any other!

(continued on page 3)

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Now is the time to start thinking about nominations for the South Central awards. There aremany groups and individuals who deserve recognition for their outstanding achievements in theblood banking community. Think about the recruiter who cooks hot-dogs for donors; the donorgroup that contributes consistently several times every year; the volunteer who puts in manyhours assisting with blood drives; the newspaper that lists blood drives and assists with specialpromotions, the educator who puts on workshops for clients. Remember that your facility doesnot have to be large to make a nomination.

Nominations must be received by January 11, 2006Nominations may be submitted via e-mail to sballew@bloodsystems.org.

There are three categories of awards. Award winners will be individually recognized through aspecial presentation at the Annual Meeting in Arlington, Texas.

I. President’s Award of Merit:A. Outstanding Individual: This award is presented to an individual who has made a

significant contribution to the blood resources of a blood collection facility, either by coordinating blood drives, donating large quantities of blood, or recruiting large numbers of blood donors over a long period of time. Nominees may also include volunteers who have shown spectacular short-term results (e.g. response to a disaster) and Donor Recruiters within blood centers or hospitals.

B. Outstanding Contributions: This award is presented to a group (volunteer or corporate or media) or financial contributor to the blood banking profession which has shown spectacular long-or short-term results.

II. Dr. Matthew Gottlieb Rising Star Award: This award will recognize a blood bank professional who has been a member of South Central more than one year but less than five years and has contributed to the organization (either by serving on a committee, writing articles for Pulse, presenting an abstract at the annual meeting, or a combination thereof.) The award recipient will receivefull registration to the 2006 South Central Annual Meeting. The award recipient will also have the honor of promoting the library of historical blood bank books and publications donated to South Central by the Gottlieb family.

III. Larry L. Trow Memorial Education Award:This award is presented to an individual (education coordinator, instructor, pathologist) who has significantly contributed to the promotion of education (scientific, technical or administrative) in the field of immunohematology within the South Central Region. TheLarry Trow Award consists of a plaque and a $300.00 monetary Award.

It is imperative for you take the time to nominate an individual or a group. Devoted individualsare worthy of special recognition for their remarkable accomplishments. It is an honor for agroup to be nominated by a facility even if they don’t win. The recognition is important toongoing relationships. Your organization is successful because of supporters like these.

Additional information about award criteria may be obtained by contacting Sara Ballew, AwardsCommittee Chair at (702) 228-4483 ext. 223 or e-mail: sballew@bloodsystems.org

Gulf Coast School of Blood Bank Technology Susan Peacock Awarded The Blood Center’s SBB ScholarshipThe Blood Center awards scholarships annually in three categories:medical technology, blood bank technology, and medical student orresident. Susan Peacock, MS, MT(ASCP)SBB, Quality AssuranceManager at The Blood Center was selected the recipient of the 2005SBB Scholarship for her research Quantification of CD22.2 CellSurface Antigens: Fluorochrome Dependent Differences.

Susan Peacock, center, receives the SBB scholarship award from Bill Teague, left, and Dr. Ethan Natelson, chairof Education and Research Committtee.

Four Students Awarded the SBB Certificate Four students were awarded SBB certificates by Bill T. Teague and Dr.Ethan Natelson, chair of The Blood Center’s Education and ResearchCommittee, on May 19, 2005. They were: Robert Smith, MT(ASCP),Consultation and Reference laboratory, The Blood Center; TeresaGorey, CLS(NCA), H(ASCP), of Tufts New England Medical Center inBoston, Mass.; Laurie Rocheville, MT(ASCP), of Good SamaritanHospital in Portland, Ore.; Yi Yang, MT(ASCP), CLS(NCA), ofStanford Hospital in Stanford, Calif. Robert Smith, center, receives the SBB certificate from Bill Teague, left, and Dr. Ethan Natelson

New SBB Class Starts May 23, 2005 Six new students started the May 2005 class with a one-week orienta-tion at The Blood Center. Students learned how to access lecturesand exams online, attended lectures, presented two short presenta-tions and participated in introductory rotations.

Pictured from left are: Shannon Pint, BB/HPC processing tech, DeKalb Medical Center, Gerogia; Pam McCain,Blood Center East Texas, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, Houston; Monica LaSarre, training specialist, BonfilsBlood Center, Colorado; Geralyn Bollman, blood bank supervisor, Sharp Coronado Hospital, California; LisaAnderson, assistant professor, CLS program at Armstrong Atlantic State University, Georgia; and Alan Reagan,blood bank supervisor, Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.

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2005 BTT Lecture for Pint SizeKathleen Sazama Addresses Annual Bill T. Teague LectureshipThe 2005 Bill T. Teague Lectureship in Transfusion Medicine was held May 19 and featured guest lecturer KathleenSazama, MD, JD. the Lectureship, in its ninth year, honors contributions to the blood banking profession by Bill T.Teague, President and CEO of Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.

Dr. Sazama is Professor of Laboratory Medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houstonand is renown for her expertise in transfusion-associated events, including transfusion-transmitted infections,adverse effects, and fatalities, and in analyses and recommendations for practice improvement.

Dr. Sazama began her presentation on Global Patient Transfusion by tracing the history of blood transfusion fromJean-Baptiste Denis in 1688 and James Blundell in 1818 to the discovery of the ABO blood group system by KarlLandsteiner in 1900. Sazama then addressed global transfusion safety with the basic principles of doing no harm tothe patient, acknowledging that the safest transfusion is the one not given, obtaining the patient’s informed con-sent, getting the ABO right, providing “zero-risk” blood components, ensuring an adequate blood supply, adminis-tering the transfusion safely, observing the patient for untoward effects and following the patient for longer-termoutcomes.

Sazama reviewed the statistics of survival after transfusion and the risk of wrong transfusion. Serious consequencesof transfusion have led to the establishment of global collaborating efforts to improve the safety of blood productsas well as transfusion practice. Two such groups are the European Hemovigilance Network (FHN) and the BritishSerious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOTS).

Sazama continued with a review of transfusion safety relevant to ABO, immunogenetics and safe components. Errorin patient identification at the time of patient specimen collection and at the time of blood transfusion account forthe majority of ABO errors. Strategies to improve patient transfusion include improved patient identificationthrough wrist bands and patient specimen identification. Future solutions relating to ABO immunogenetics includethe use of “Universal” O cells, oxygen therapeutics (RBC substitutes) and non-human alternatives.

Sazama next reviewed blood safety relevant to viral risks. Technological testing advances in recent decades havevastly improved the safety of the blood supply. Since the introduction of HBsAg testing in 1972, the use of HIVhigh-risk exclusion questionnaire in 1983, anti-HIV testing in 1985 and other testing, the blood supply is now veryclose to zero-risk.

Bacterial contamination was the most frequent and serious infectious hazard of transfusion in 2003, with a risk of1/106 in RBCs and 1.4/103 in platelets. It was the second-leading cause of death from blood transfusion, with analarming mortality rate approximating 1:60,000 in platelet transfusions reported in 2003, prompting the new AABBrequirement of bacterial contamination testing. Currently, the risk of bacterial contamination is also close to zero.Other infectious risks, including West Nile Virus, vCJD, Malaria and Chagas Disease were identified, but not dis-cussed in depth.

The current leading cause of transfusion fatality, Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI) was addressed in a2004 Canadian Consensus Conference, which concluded that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommendthat any laboratory screening tests and/or other deferral measures be implemented to exclude donors in order toreduce the risk of TRALI. This area is now the subject of significant research efforts.

Another important aspect of blood transfusion is adequate supply. Sazama pointed out the WHO report that 20 per-cent of the population has access to 60 percent of the blood. In developing countries, the problem of inadequatesupply is exacerbated by inadequate testing.

Sazama closed the lecture with a discussion of new solutions for risk reduction in transfusion practice, includingredefining the role of transfusion committees, creating transfusion safety officers, and introducing technologicalimprovements beyond bar codes and bedside ABO testing. She reminded the group that the first principle of trans-fusion safety is to do no harm to the patient.

President’s Message (continued from page 2)

Legends Future, the Association’s newmentoring program participants, willalso be introduced. The ProtégéMentorship Program Team, led byElizabeth Waltman and Sarah Jones,will unveil details of the mentorshipprogram and recognize the program’sfirst mentor-protégé teams.

Behind the scenes, the team fromEtcetera Events is managing theCentral Office ensuring a home teamadvantage. Look for enhanced com-munication via email and enjoy thequality PULSE, on-line or in print.And keep your eye on the website:www.scabb.org! Future upgradesinclude on-line membership renewal,on-line annual meeting registration,and continuing education modules,all designed to help you maximizethe value of your membership.

As you can see, we’re “swinging forthe bleachers” and a winning season.Designated hitters are welcome.Please submit your comments, sug-gestions, questions or concerns to theboard at scabb@scabb.org. Together,we can make South Central the pre-mier blood bank association and alegend of the game.

Exhibits areHeading for a

Home Run!By Susan Begnaud,

Co-Chair Exhibits Committee

The 2006 South Central Association ofBlood Banks Trade Show is shaping up tobe a pinch hitter for the upcomingAnnual Meeting. Nineteen exhibitors arealready committed and more are signingup every day.

This year’s exhibit hall features spaciousbooth areas, excellent walk through spacefor attendees, ample loading and storagespaces and premier services for eachexhibitor. The exhibits committee ishard at work to assure that the exhibithall is the place to be on the field. Noone will want to be in the bullpen andmiss the networking opportunities, give-aways and new products on display inthe Annual Meeting exhibit hall!

Games and door prizes will be held in theexhibit hall during each break to allowexhibitors ample time to spend withpotential clients and customers. So getyour game plan ready and prepare toscore big at the South Central Associationof Blood Banks Trade Show in Arlington,Texas, May 1-3, 2006!

For more information on exhibiting atthe 2006 South Central meeting, contactSouth Central at scabb@scabb.org or 303-238-4145.

Kathleen Sazama, MD,JD, guest lecturer of the9th Annual Bill T. TeagueLectureship in TransfusionMedicine, receives a certificate of recognitionfrom Bill T. Teague, andDr. Ethan Natelson,shown right, Chairman ofthe Education & ResearchCommittee of Gulf CoastRegional Blood Center.

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South Central Recognizes 20 Year MembersThree South Central members were recognized at the annual meetingfor having been members for twenty years. These long-time commit-ted members have been very active in the association, serving on com-mittees and in District Director roles. They are important to SouthCentral and have made an impact in numerous ways on the bloodbanking community. Please help us congratulate Marie, David and Edon their long term with our organization.

2006 Annual MeetingCall for Abstracts

South Central’s Administrative and Scientific Committees are scouting forAbstracts to be presented at the 2006 Annual Meeting. South Central membersand other interested parties are invited to submit papers for presentation at theScientific and Administrative Abstract session to be held on Tuesday, May 2nd.

Put your facility in the spotlight and share your original research, novel meth-ods, interesting case studies, benchmarks and best practices with your colleagues.Posters will be displayed in the Registration Foyer of the Arlington ConventionCenter and will be available during all Annual Meeting Program hours. The OralAbstract Session is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2nd and is an integral part of theAnnual Meeting Program line up.

The South Central Annual Meeting is an outstanding venue for first time speak-ers to polish their presentation skills in preparation for larger national meetingssuch as the AABB.

Complete instructions for abstract submissions are posted on the South Centralwebsite at www.scabb.org. From the 2006 Annual Meeting Page, Click onAbstracts and follow the links. The submission process is completely electronicand online at www.scabb.org. Prompt, thorough and unbiased review ofabstracts along with timely notification of acceptance is a priority of the SouthCentral Administrative and Scientific Program Committees. Abstracts must bereceived by January 11, 2006 in order to be considered for review.

All Abstracts that are accepted for presentation at the Annual Meeting will bepublished in the Final Program. Selected abstracts may also be published inPulse.

Visit www.scabb.org for more information and details.

Remember, you have to swing the bat, before you can hit the ball out of thepark!

Ed Moore, BS, MT(ASCP), United Blood Services David Gremillion, MT(ASCP)SBB,Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center with Susan Epperson, Membership Chairand Paula Kelley, President

Marie Foyt, MT(ASCP) SBB, OlympusAmerica

South Central Association of Blood Banks

New Members Since May 15, 2005

Theresa Emerson,MT(ASCP)Baylor Regional Medical Center3605 Gaitland Circle, Flower Mound, TX 75022972-691-2457almondjoynow@yahoo.comReferred By: Barbara Fryer

Katherine Millett,MT(ASCP)USun Health14440 W. Carlin Drive, Surprise, AZ 85374-4226623-546-4510kmillett1@cox.netReferred By: Barbara Fryer

Pamela Ostboe, MBA,MT(ASCP)Blood Systems Laboratories2905 N. 148 Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85262480-471-3662pam@Robertson-consulting.comReferred By: Barbara Fryer

Jennifer Ritter,MT(ASCP)Blood Systems Inc.2806 E. Dartmouth Street, Mesa, AZ 85213480-830-6606jritter@bloodsystems.orgReferred By: Barbara Fryer

Scott HertzbachCottonImages.comAssociate Insititutional Member10481 NW 28th Street, Hialeah, FL 33172305-251-2560scott@cottonimages.com

Abdullah Al-Nowaiser,MTKing Faisal Specialist Hospital3354 MBC 10, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 11211011-96614647272 x35842anowaiser@KFSHRC.edu.sa

Michelle Nelson,MT(ASCP)United Blood Services1444 Grand Avenue, Billings, MT 59102406-248-9168kmnelson_2@msn.comReferred By: Barbara Fryer

Mary Grouse, MT(ASCP)Paradise Valley Hospital Laboratory3929 E. Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032602-923-5629mgrouse@abrazohealth.comReferred By: Barbara Fryer

Alan Reagan, BS,MT(ASCP)Arkansas Methodist Medical Center2004 Timberridge Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401870-974-9821reagan@sbcglobal.netReferred By: Brenda Hayes

Cathy McGough,MT(ASCP)SBBUT Southwestern Medical Center3010 Flagstone, Garland, TX 75044972-414-0718cathy.mcgough@utsouthwestern.edu

Joan Bodiya, MT(ASCP)Blood Systems Laboratories10748 W. 108th Place, Scottsdale, AZ 85259480-391-1009jbodiya@hotmail.comReferred By: Barbara Fryer

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OBI CEO Ronald GilcherReceives Multiple Honors

New ResearchFoundationAnnouncedReceiving an award for beingone of the Oklahoma HealthCenter Foundation’s “LivingTreasures” wasn’t a surprise forRonald O. Gilcher, MD, FACP,President, CEO and MedicalDirector of the OklahomaBlood Institute (OBI). The ban-

quet and ceremony had been on his calendar forweeks.

The surprise came courtesy of James Pickle, co-chair-man of the Oklahoma Health Center Foundation andfellow 2005 Living Treasure recipient Don Rhinehart,MD, Chairman of the OBI board. Mr. Pickleannounced that $1 million has been raised to startthe Ronald O. Gilcher Research Endowment Fund.The endowment will be used for research projects.

Drs. Rhinehart and Gilcher were among those hon-ored by the Oklahoma Health Center Foundation as2005’s “Living Treasures” during the annual Treasuresfor Tomorrow celebration at the Oklahoma School ofScience and Mathematics in Oklahoma City.

In 1976, Dr. Rhinehart, a neurosurgeon, led a groupof Oklahoma City metro physicians to create aregional nonprofit blood center to take care of thecity’s blood needs and was selected chairman of theboard. Two years later, Dr. Rhinehart recruited Dr.Gilcher to move to Oklahoma City to become headof OBI.

“Over the next 26 years this team moved theOklahoma Blood Institute into a world-class bloodcenter, recognized around the globe for its innova-tion, leadership and for changing the face of modernblood banking and transfusion medicine,” OBI saidin a statement (5/20/05).

During that quarter century, OBI’s innovations led toa number of firsts in the blood center industry, theblood center said:

• The first blood center to test for the AIDS virus using the HIV antigen test.

• The first to use Single Unit Nucleic Acid (SU-NAT) for HIV, hepatitis C and hepatitis B.

• The first to use SU-NAT for detecting West Nile virus.

• The first to offer free cholesterol testing to donors.

• The first to offer men PSA tests for pros-tate cancer screening.

“Dr. Gilcher’s dedication to education, research, andblood center operations has led OBI from relativeobscurity to the sixth largest regional blood center inthe United States, serving 108 hospitals in Oklahomaand North Central Texas,” the blood center said.

According to Dr. Gilcher, OBI’s mission statement hasnot changed in the past 26 years: “To provide thesafest and highest quality blood, services, and healthprograms to the patients and communities we serve.”

Reprinted from the ABC Newsletter with the permission ofAmerica’s Blood Centers.

Step Up to the Plate!South Central is now filling committee positions for the 2005-2006 Year. Your involve-ment is crucial to the growth of the Association. Often times committee members aresurprised at how much they actually grow while volunteering on a committee! SouthCentral has numerous committees, all of which are volunteer driven. Please review thecommittees listed below - consider your schedule and commitment to professionaldevelopment. Then, complete the Committee Interest form found at www.scabb.org,on the Membership page. Interest Forms should be completed and submitted no laterthan October 31st, 2005.

South Central has two standing committees with three-year terms. They are:

FINANCEResponsible for the preparation and presentation of the Annual Budget. The FinanceCommittee oversees the financial affairs of the Association. The chair(s) must attendone meeting during the year, at his/her own expense.

MEMBERSHIPResponsible for recruitment and retention of both individual and institutionalmembers.

South Central has twelve other committees with terms of one year each. They are:

ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMResponsible for development of administrative program offerings for the AnnualMeeting. This committee also review and approves submitted Abstracts for presentation.

AWARDSResponsible for administering the South Central Awards Program. Including evaluationcurrent award criteria and recommending additional awards to the Board of Directors.

DONOR RECRUITMENT/COLLECTIONS PROGRAM COMMITTEEResponsible for the development of donor recruitment/collections program offerings for the Annual Meeting. In additional this committee provides information for membership in related matters.

EXHIBITSAssists the Central Office in recruiting, communication and hosting of exhibitors forthe Annual Meeting. Also is instrumental in the design of the Exhibit Hall floor plan.

FUND RAISINGResponsible for coordinating the fund raising activities of the association, with anemphasis on Annual Meeting sponsorships.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYResponsible for content collection and recommendation for the Association’s website,www.scabb.org. Committee also is responsible for utilizing the website to extend member services through online offerings. IT and computer savvy persons are welcome to serve on this committee.

LOCAL ARRANGEMENTSResponsible for the coordination of activities associated with the Annual Meeting in the host city. Works in tandem with the Exhibit and Program Committees.

NOMINATINGResponsible for cultivating the future leadership of the Association by providing a nominations slate of individual for District Directors and Officers of the Association.

PLANNINGResponsible for the planning function to establish the goals and objectives necessary to accomplish the Association’s mission.

PUBLICATIONSResponsible for coordination, content collection, and final sign off for production ofthe Association’s publications, in conjunction with the Executive Director.

TECHNICAL/SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMResponsible for the development of Technical/Scientific program offerings at theAnnual Meeting. This committee also review and approves submitted Abstracts forpresentation.

BYLAWSConducts a review of and recommends necessary changes to the bylaws of theAssociation.

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Members News

Job Bank

TexasSouth Texas Blood & Tissue Center (STBTC) was the recipient of The Pinnacle Awardsponsored by the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. This award is presented to those companies who demonstrate leadership, vision, innovation and dedication to theSan Antonio community. STBTC received the award for the first time due to its growthand performance in the medical field. STBTC is the only blood center in Texas and one of only a handful in the nation that provide blood and tissue products, a cord blood program, and testing labs all in one facility.

Stacy D. Means has been named the new Director of Technical Services for TexomaRegional Blood Center. Stacy holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from SoutheasternOklahoma State University, and is certified in Medical Laboratory Technology by theAmerican Society of Clinical Pathology. Before accepting the position at Texoma, Stacy worked for the past 15 years at Wilson N. Jones Hospital in Sherman, Texas, inHematology, UA, Coag and Blood Bank. Stacy is a lifetime Denison, Texas, resident and has a four year old son, Jacob.

LouisianaOn July 1, 2005 Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette and Our Lady of the Lake in BatonRouge joined forces to improve donor recruitment, collection, component production,testing and distribution processes. To support the partnership a state-of-the-art 3,000 sq ftComponent Preparation, Labeling and Distribution Center was opened on the Lake cam-pus. The partnership increases the scale and scope of the operation by providing 45,000blood components to 34 healthcare facilities in 14 parishes.

Congratulations to:■ Jay Thomas MT(ASCP) - promoted to Blood Donor Supervisor at Our Lady of the Lake.

■ Suzy Picard MT(ASCP) - Promoted to Blood Donor Supervisor at Our Lady of Lourdes

■ Cynthia Moore MT(ASCP) - Promoted to Blood Donor Compliance Officer

■ Duane Ducote MT(ASCP) - Promoted to Senior Technologist Blood Distribution Center

■ Stephanie Babin - Promoted to Donor Recruiter

■ Margaret Andrews - Promoted to Mobile Operations Coordinator

■ Chris Halphen - Promoted to Senior Blood Donor Technician

Welcome to the following new employees:■ Amy Marchand, Jonathan Phillips, Rosalyn Young, Claire Mozingo.

United Blood Services of Louisiana is currently seeking a Donor Recruitment Director.Individual must have bachelor’s degree in related field. Skills required: proven supervisory skills withthe ability to interact and motivate assigned staff, sales/territory management skills; demonstratedsuccessful sales experience, proficient personal computer knowledge. Must be able to coordinate,control and organize multiple functions, people and activities. Three years of supervisory andleadership skills required. Five years of related experience in sales management, healthcare or non-profit work experience also required. Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package including paid holidays, medical and dental. Send resume and salary requirementsto: Human Resources Director, P.O. Box 3362 Lafayette, LA 70502 EOE M/F/D/V.

University Health System, San Antonio, Texas: Blood Bank Senior Technologist position in a veryactive tertiary care teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Texas Health Sciences Center.Rewarding and challenging work in a regional trauma center performing liver and bone marrowtransplantation. Please contact Ms. Vivian Casas at (210) 358-2051 or access the UHS/HumanResources website to apply: www.universityhealthsystem.com

Fun and Learning AwaitsRecruiters and Collection

Members at the SouthCentral Meeting in

ArlingtonOutstanding customer service secrets revealed, sur-viving an external inspection and the search forlost donors! If any of these topics excite you, thenwe have one fun filled meeting planned for youduring the Donor Recruitment and CollectionsProgram at the annual meeting in Arlington, TX.Our committee has developed a program that issure to excite and delight you, while picking upnumerous useful tidbits of information to take backwith you.

Two of the heavy weights (anyone shop atNordstrom’s ?) in the customer service arena willshare their successful formulas for hiring staff toprovide excellent customer service, retaining yourstaff and keeping the donors happy and everythingin between. We have also lined up a coordinatorand a donor recruiter with a proven track record ofsuccess to share their secrets for successful blooddrives time and time again.

The four most dreaded words we will ever hear are:“The FDA has arrived”. These words will no longerstrike fear in your heart after you attend our sessionon Surviving External Inspections and achieving aninternal quality assurance program that works.

Have you ever wondered where all the donors havegone? How do we get them back or find new ones?During this session we have three short programsplanned on scheduling donors and improvingdonor flow issues, incentives we can provide todonors to keep them coming back and research onhow donors think and feel about the donationprocess. These three programs are sure to bethought provoking. In the afternoon, we will havean ‘ask the experts’ session, so bring your questionsand ideas and join us.

Finally, we will have two additional sessions. Oneis on the Future of Blood Banking, which willexplore what is on the horizon. The second one isHow to Choose a Vendor When you are PurchasingOutside Your Organization.

The Donor Recruitment and Collection Committeeencourage you to come to Arlington to experienceSouth Central at its best. We welcome yourthoughts and ideas. We hope you will join us forthis truly fun filled and educational meeting.

Linda FettersChair- Donor Recruitment and Collections Committee

FOR SALESouth Texas Blood & Tissue Center has

equipment they would like to sell. This equip-ment includes SEBRA trip scales (model 1150)

and ThermoScan PRO 3000 thermometers.

Please call 210-731-5555 or 800-292-5534 extension 1219 for more information.

7

Bubba Invitational GolfTournament Returns to

Annual Meeting!

SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2006Texas Star Golf Course

Come be part of the Bubba Invitational GolfTournament prior to the Annual Meeting.

Join the Bubbas and enjoy a beautiful golf coursejust minutes away from the Wyndham Hoteland Fun Central!

The Texas Star Golf Course in Euless is the site ofthe BIGT! This course has something for every-one---lush green fairways, lots of trees, sand,water and even environmental hazards. You canplay “smart golf” or “grip it and rip it”.

Shotgun start scheduled for 1:30 p.m. onSunday. Cost is $75/person or $300/team. Wecan pair individual golfers to make up four-somes. A “scramble” format will be used. Moredetails and registration information will be inthe Preliminary Program.

Blood Centers, Hospitalsand Vendors!

The Annual MeetingFun Run Committee isseeking sponsors todonate small items forour Fun Run partici-pant gift bags. Thesecould be any type ofgive-aways that arecurrently being used atyour facility. We areanticipating 50 partici-pants for this eventand would be grateful for your support. If inter-ested, please contact Nancy Haubert at 817-412-6108 or email to nhaubert@bloodystems.org.

Annual Meeting Line Up!

Pre-Meeting AABB Assessor Training: for individuals interestedin Quality Assurance and Auditing Techniques. Topic: Assessor Training for theAABB Accreditation Process.

Returning! Industry Workshops!

Carter BloodCare Guided Tours

Returning! South Central Fun Run

Pack up your running shoes and join us bright and early at 0700 on Wednesday forthe Home (FUN) Run. This will be a 2 mile run around the Ballpark in Arlington andthe nearby linear park. This is adjacent to the hotel and convention center. T-shirtsand snacks will be provided. Trophies awarded for first finisher Male and Female.

We would like to get an idea of how many will be joining us, if you think you mightrun, please drop an email to Nancy Haubert at nhaubert@bloodsystems.org to let usknow and include your T-shirt size. Formal registration for the run will be in thePreliminary Program that you receive in the fall.

A Hall of Fame Experience Awaits Attendees

Get ready to feast your eyes (and your stomach) at this year's South Central President's Reception and Banquet. You will be treated to 24,000 square feet on threelevels at the Legends of the Game Baseball Museum at Ameriquest Field in Arlington.

The Legends of the Game Baseball Museum offers an extraordinary atmosphere foryou to experience baseball's past through the exhibits from the National BaseballHall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Interactive exhibits and up to the minuteplayer stats will entertain everyone from the casual observer to the most dedicatedfan. Don't forget our own American West Division Champions, the Rangers who arehighlighted at Legends. This will be a one of a kind evening, so don't strike out bymissing it!

Educational Program is ready to take the field with current and futuretopics for Administrative, Donor/Recruitment/Collections and Technical/Scientifictracks. PACE credits will once again be offered.

Bull Pen of ExhibitorsThe South Central Annual Meeting Exhibit Hall is the largest collection of bloodbanking industry vendors and suppliers outside of the AABB Txpo

South CentralAssociation of Blood Banks

2006 Annual MeetingMay 1 – 4, 2006Arlington, Texas

WWW.SCABB.ORG

12840 W. 16th Street • Golden, CO 80401Office: 303.238.4145 • Fax: 303.238.0642

scabb@scabb.org • www.scabb.org

South Central Association of Blood Banks

Board of DirectorsEXECUTIVECOMMITTEE

President Paula Kelley, MT(ASCP)SBBBaylor University Medical Center3500 Gaston AvenueDallas, TX 75246214-820-3263 Office214-820-2087 FaxPaulaK@baylorhealth.edu

Vice PresidentElizabeth WaltmanUnited Blood Services1515 University Blvd.Albuquerque, NM 87102505-768-1408 X 225 Office505-247-8835 Faxewaltman@bloodsystems.org

Immediate PastPresidentJim Rutledge, PhDCoffee Memorial Blood Center1915 Coulter DriveAmarillo, TX 79106806-358-4563 Office806-358-2982 Faxjrutledge@thegiftoflife.org

President ElectKaren Williams, MT(ASCP)Chiron Corporation2617 S. 80th East AvenueTulsa, OK 74129918-605-3530 Office918-622-7078 FaxKaren_williams@chiron.com

SecretaryBrenda Hayes, MT(ASCP)SBBAmerican Red Cross401 S. MonroeLittle Rock, AR 72205501-614-4440 Office501-614-4443 Faxhayesbr@usa.redcross.org

TreasurerTerri Poulin, MT(ASCP)SBBUnited Blood Services6220 E. Oak StreetScottsdale, AZ 85257480-675-5440 Office480-675-5784 Faxtpoulin@bloodsystems.org

District I – (TX)Jim Teague, BS(ASCP)SBBAudie Murphy VA Medical Center7400 Merton Mintor Blvd.San Antonio, TX 78284210-617-5300 x 4980 Office210-949-3330 Faxjames.Teague@med.va.gov

DISTRICTDIRECTORS

District I – (TX) Irma Villarreal, MT(ASCP)BBSouth Texas Blood & Tissue Center6211 IH 10-WestSan Antonio, TX 78201210-731-5593 Office210-731-5508 Faxivillarreal@bloodntissue.org

District II (AZ, NM, CO, OK)Dennis Harpool, MT(ASCP)SBBBlood SystemsScottsdale, AZ 85257480-675-5646 Office480-675-5167 Faxdharpool@bloodsystems.org

District III (AR, LA, MS)LeaAnn Ashley, MT(ASCP)SBBUnited Blood Services8234 One CalaisBaton Rouge, LA 70809225-752-7887 Office225-679-8633 Faxlashley@bloodsystems.org

District at Large Mary Jo Drew, MDHenry Ford Hospital Blood Bank2699 W. Grand Blvd.Detroit, MI 48202313-916-1573 Office313-916-8652 Faxmdrew1@hfhs.org