Corporation of the Year Award
East Penn Manufacturing, Nominated by Miller-Keystone Blood Center
East Penn Manufacturing's commitment to blood donation is truly remarkable: hosted over 500 blood drives since 1983, 288 drives since 2010 alone, and collected over 13,870 blood products from more than 12,400 donation procedures.
Consistently ranking as Miller-Keystone's top corporate partner, East Penn Manufacturing contributes over 800 units of blood annually, often surpassing 1,000 units. Their dedication extends beyond participation, providing crucial financial sponsorship for blood center events. At the heart of this incredible effort is Dan Breidegam, the Chairman of East Penn Manufacturing and Vice President of the Breidegam Family Foundation. His personal commitment as a 10+ gallon whole blood donor has set an inspiring example, embedding blood donation and community service deep into the company's culture.
Kate Fry, CEO of America's Blood Centers (left), Kip Kuttner, Medical Director at Miller-Keystone Blood Center, Barbara Gates, account manager at Miller-Keystone Blood Center, Jen Birch, Senior Certified Medical Assistant & blood drive coordinator at East Penn Manufacturing, Laurie Heagy, Director of Medical Services at East Penn, Rami Nemeh, CEO of Miller-Keystone Blood Center, Rob Van Tuyle, President of America's Blood Centers
Kate Fry, CEO of America's Blood Centers (left), members of South Texas Blood & Tissue, Scott Earle, Vice President of the SANPHC (center), Rob Van Tuyle, President of America's Blood Centers (right)
Outstanding Blood Drive of the Year Award
Barnett San Antonio National Pan-Hellenic Council, Nominated by South Texas Blood & Tissue
The Barnett San Antonio National Pan-Hellenic Council's blood drive exemplifies excellence in promoting blood donation through innovative recruitment and collection efforts. This organization has established blood donation as a priority within its community, creating a model for other groups to follow. Their drive stood out for its exceptional organization, community engagement, and impressive results. By leveraging the collective strength of its member organizations, the Council was able to reach a diverse group of potential donors, significantly boosting participation rates. Their success demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing critical healthcare needs.
ABC Outstanding Public Relations Campaign
Vitalant's "Giving Starts with Learning" Campaign
Vitalant's social media team revolutionized blood donation awareness through humor and education. Their innovative approach resulted in:
- 20% growth on Instagram
- 173% increase on TikTok
- Millions of impressions and tens of thousands of engagements
The "Giving Starts with Learning" campaign stood out for its clever storytelling and relatable content. By tackling complex topics like blood type matching and eligibility requirements in an accessible and engaging manner, Vitalant successfully demystified blood donation for a new generation of potential donors. The campaign's success demonstrates the power of creative, mission-driven content in the digital age, setting a new standard for public health communication in the blood banking sector.
Kate Fry, CEO of America's Blood Centers (left), stands with Shane Burke, Tesia Hummer, and Nick Gehrig, of Vitalant, along with Rob Van Tuyle, President of America's Blood Centers (right)
Kate Fry, CEO of America's Blood Centers (left), Ruth Osburn, Larry Frederick, Rob Van Tuyle, President of America's Blood Centers (right)
Larry Frederick Award
Ruth Osburn, Nominated by Mississippi Blood Services
Ruth's 17-year dedication as a blood drive coordinator at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center resulted in over 7,110 blood products collected, helping over 21,340 Mississippians. Her passion, stemming from 30 years in Intensive Care Units and personal experience as a cancer survivor, drove innovative approaches like a MASH-themed blood drive. Under Ruth's leadership, ERDC became Mississippi's top organization for blood collections in 2022. Her efforts have not only saved countless lives but also inspired a culture of giving within her organization.
Thomas F. Zuck Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Mary Townsend
Dr. Townsend's career, from Nocona, Texas, to leadership roles at ABC and AABB, has significantly improved donor care practices and enhanced the safety of the nation's blood supply. Her journey through impressive academic achievements led to pivotal roles in shaping donor care practices. Dr. Townsend's contributions to the AABB Task Force and her work on donor biovigilance have not only improved the donor experience but have also set new standards in the field. Her lifetime of dedication has touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on the transfusion medicine landscape.
Kate Fry, CEO of America's Blood Centers (left), Dr. Mary Townsend, Rob Van Tuyle, President of America's Blood Centers (right)
Kate Fry, CEO of America's Blood Centers (left), Evelyn Oyler, Rob Van Tuyle, President of America's Blood Centers (right)
ITXM Award for Excellence in Technical Operations
Evelyn Oyler, SunCoast Blood Centers
Evelyn Oyler of SunCoast Blood Centers received this prestigious award for her exceptional commitment to technical and laboratory operations in the blood banking field. With over 25 years of dedicated service in blood banking and more than a decade in general laboratory services, Evelyn has risen through the ranks from a part-time Medical Technologist to her current role as Laboratory Director. Her journey is a testament to her expertise, commitment, and leadership in this critical field. Evelyn's diverse experience, spanning from the Comprehensive Cancer Center in California to Silliman University Medical Center in the Philippines, has shaped her into a consummate professional and true luminary in blood banking. Her innovative approaches to laboratory management and unwavering commitment to quality have significantly improved operational efficiency and patient care outcomes.
Blood Community Advocate of the Year
Billy Weales, President and CEO of The Blood Center
Billy's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was exemplary, spearheading innovative programs and shaping national policies to ensure a safe and diverse blood supply. His initiatives, such as convalescent plasma collection and automated red cell exchange, significantly enhanced patient care during a critical time. Billy's tireless advocacy efforts were crucial in securing recognition and support for blood centers as essential healthcare services. His influence extends beyond New Orleans, shaping national policies through his work with ABC and ensuring a robust blood supply for patients across the country.
Kate Fry, CEO of America's Blood Centers (left), Billy Weales, Rob Van Tuyle, President of America's Blood Centers (right)
Kate Fry, CEO of America's Blood Centers (left), Tony Morrison, Senior Director of Communications at GLAAD, Sarah Moore, Anti-LGBTQ Extremism Analyst at GLAAD, Rob Van Tuyle, President of America's Blood Centers (right)
National Partner of the Year Award
GLAAD
GLAAD's commitment to educating and inspiring the next generation of blood donors has been truly exceptional. Their "Summer of Giving" initiative exemplifies their innovative approach to breaking down barriers and challenging long-standing misconceptions about blood donation. By combining powerful storytelling with targeted outreach, GLAAD has reached over 4 million people through media coverage and inspired many first-time blood donors during a time of critical need.
GLAAD's efforts have not only increased immediate donations but also cultivated a new generation of informed, enthusiastic, and committed blood donors. Their partnership has been instrumental in expanding the donor base and promoting inclusivity in blood donation.
Distinguished Service Award
FY23-25 Committee Chairs
Awarded to the FY23-25 committee chairs for their exceptional leadership in advancing evidence-based medicine and shaping the future of the industry. These chairs, including Dr. Daniela Hermelin, Chair of the ABC Blood Bulletin Committee; Kim Kinsell, Chair of the ABC Bylaws Committee; Theresa Pina, Chair of the ABC Communications & National Partnerships Committee; Robert Harper, Chair of the ABC Education Committee; Harpreet Sandhu, Chair of the ABC Membership Committee, John Miller, Chair of the ABC Nominating Committee; Stacy Sime, Chair of the ABC Public Policy Council, Wendell Jones, Chair of the ABC Quality Regulatory Committee; and Dr. Kip Kuttner, Chair of the ABC SMT Committee, have demonstrated extraordinary skill in transforming ideas into action. Their collective efforts have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in blood banking, from policy-making to educational initiatives.
Kate Fry, CEO of America's Blood Centers (left), FY24-25 ABC Committee Chairs, Rob Van Tuyle, President of America's Blood Centers (right)