Download 2014 Annual Report - LIFELINE Blood Services

A Message from the CEO................................. 1
LIFELINE Blood Recipients............................... 2
Platelet Program Priority................................. 4
Platelet Donors – In Their Own Words...... 6
Board of Directors.................................................. 8
LIFELINE Blood Services
requires approximately
500 donors each week!
LIFELINE – By the Numbers................... 10
Last year, patients in
West Tennessee hospitals
supplied by LIFELINE,
required over 25,000 units
of blood via volunteer donors.
Millions of times each year
in the United States, human
blood is required to save the lives
of people suffering from accidents
.
and disease.
The average adult male has about
12 pints of blood; the average adult
female has 9 pints.
Your body replaces the blood
volume donated within 48 hours.
Howevers, it takes up to 8 weeks
to replace your red cells.
Your body keeps discarding
and replenishing blood constantly
whether you give blood or not –
you can put that ‘spare’ blood to
good use and help save lives as
you do it!
LIFELINE Blood Services Annual Report
2014
A Message from the
Chief Executive Officer
LIFELINE Blood Services’
I have been blessed in
major function is the
my career here to work
stewardship of the gift
with talented staff and
from willing donors to
gracious donors who
patients in need. This
are very serious about
statement actually
their responsibilities for
describes the relationship
their neighbors who
between any local blood
may require blood
center and the people
and blood services. On
they serve. However,
behalf of all the patients
as a “Yankee” I can tell
and all of our staff…
you it is much easier to
complete this mission
Thank you,
in West Tennessee.
Joe Schifano
01
LIFELINE Blood Services Annual Report
2014
Blood Recipient
Jill Parks Jordan
“I know this for a fact, if Jill had not received the
blood, she wouldn’t be here today, and for that,
we are eternally grateful.” – BRENT JORDAN
losing blood so fast that I could see it pouring off the table
where she was lying and onto the floor,” Brent remembered.
The doctors strongly advised her to have a D and C. “But I
didn’t want a D and C, I really wanted this baby,” Jill said.
“While she was trying to hold on to life for that baby, her life
was literally slipping away,” Brent said. Finally, Jill agreed to
the procedure. She received more blood and remembers that
she began to feel much better. “I didn’t know right away
how bad I felt, until I began to feel better after my blood
transfusions.” Jill shared.
But the Jordan’s story doesn’t just have one happy ending, it
has two. Not only did Jill survive and completely recover, but
she and Brent became parents. “Our faith in God has taught
us that when one door closes, He will open another one,”
explains Brent. “Our new door was the door of adoption.
Through the support of our family, friends and our church,
our adoption process only took a remarkable three months,”
he added.
The first thing Jill and Brent Jordan wanted to do after they
married was to start a family of their own. Having a child
together was extremely important to them and they were
looking forward to the joyous times to be spent raising a
little one. Unfortunately, they had problems conceiving a
child. Fertility specialists were consulted and after two long
years, Jill finally became pregnant. But just 27 weeks into her
pregnancy, she lost the baby. Giving up on having a baby was
just too hard to accept for the Jordans, although it seemed
like the choice they would have to make. Then, one year later,
Jill was pregnant again, and she and Brent were elated.
Jill began to have some serious issues that caused severe
bleeding during this pregnancy. She was so sick that she
was rushed to the Emergency Room. Her hemorrhaging
intensified, and she was given a blood transfusion. “She was
02
The Jordans explain how they now can look back and see
that even through such tragedy of miscarriages, infertility,
and emergency surgery, triumph came with their beautiful
adopted son, Tucker. Because blood was available to help
save Jill’s life, she can be a mom to a happy, healthy, “allboy,” 4 year-old, Tucker. Brent sums up his perspective on
the importance of blood donations like this, “I know this for
a fact, if Jill had not received the blood, she
wouldn’t be here today, and for that, we
are eternally grateful.”
LIFELINE Blood Services Annual Report
2014
Blood Recipient
Ronnie Wilbanks
“It is a powerful thing to know that because someone we had
never even met, had given blood days prior to Ronnie’s surgery,
blood was there when he needed it.” – JANET WILBANKS
When he had a massive heart attack in 1993, Ronnie Wilbanks was
a healthy, active 35 year old, raising a young family. Immediately
following his heart attack, he spent two months in the hospital and
endured a long, hard recovery with lung complications and suffered
his first stroke. But, fortunately, he was able to return to work with
no major problems and resumed enjoying life. In 2001, Ronnie got
sick with pneumonia and when the doctors saw his test results, they
diagnosed him with Ischemic cardio myopathy (erratic heart beat
due to enlarged heart). He was transferred to Vanderbilt for a heart
transplant. Doctors were able to prescribe medications and managed
this condition for several years.
In 2012, when Ronnie’s health began to decline – he lost weight, felt
very sick, and could not figure out what was going on this time. It
was his heart. He was worse and in severe congestive heart failure.
It didn’t take doctors long to confirm that he was a candidate for a
heart transplant. Soon after being placed on the list for a new heart,
Ronnie got even worse. In May 2013, he had to have a Left Ventricle
Assist Device (LVAD) implanted in his heart. His heart wasn’t working
properly; it was functioning at less than 10%. This device helped
pump the blood throughout his body; it helped lessen the congestive
heart failure symptoms. Immediately following this surgery, Ronnie
began intense cardio rehabilitation to get him strong enough for his
heart transplant. However, this recovery time was long and rough
on Ronnie and he suffered three strokes. His aortic valve was not
functioning properly; clots kept forming which caused strokes. Due to
this complication, Ronnie was moved up on the transplant list. Ronnie
remembers it was a turbulent time. “I wasn’t sure I was going to make
it through the LVAD surgery and rehab, much less a heart transplant.”
His wife, Janet, recalls his desperate condition, “He was fading away;
we knew that a transplant was his only hope.”
Things took a turn for the better on September 5, 2013, when the
Wilbanks got the call that a heart was available for Ronnie. Both
Ronnie and Janet remember that day was filled with so many emotions
but they managed to get to the hospital. Ronnie was on the road
to a new life with a new heart. After a successful transplant, and
rehabilitation, Ronnie has continued to keep up his activity level and
healthy lifestyle. Closing in on the second anniversary of his new heart,
Ronnie says he feels great, “If I felt any better, I would be someone else.”
Ronnie received multiple blood transfusions during both his LVAD and
heart transplant surgeries. “Until the time of our experiences, I was a
sporadic blood donor,” said Janet. “I would give blood whenever I saw
the bloodmobile in my area, but I wasn’t really committed to giving
blood on a regular basis. But, this journey has made me realize that
when someone you love needs blood, it has to be there. Now, I am a
regular blood donor and give whenever I am eligible,” she continued.
The Wilbanks are extremely grateful to God, doctors, the donor of
the heart and the blood donors who helped save Ronnie’s life. “It is
a powerful thing to know that because someone we had never even
met, had given blood days prior to Ronnie’s surgery, blood was there
when he needed it,” Janet said. “Because of their unselfishness, I
still have my husband, my Miracle Man,” she added. Both Ronnie
and Janet say that they have seen God’s hand in all the details and
circumstances since the beginning of this journey. “God has more
work he wants me to do, that’s why I am still here,” said Ronnie. Part
of that work includes talking to others about how their generosity can
have a monumental impact on the lives of patients in desperate need.
He and Janet feel compelled to share their story so that patients can
have hope, and those who are healthy can be encouraged to support
organ and blood donation.
03
LIFELINE Blood Services Annual Report
2014
Platelet Program Priority
Summer 2015
LIFELINE is encouraging West Tennesseans to
learn more about the need for platelets
and how they can become a platelet donor.
As the provider of blood and blood products for 16 West
Tennessee hospitals, LIFELINE Blood Services collects
blood each year to meet patient needs. In addition to red
cell donations (the most commonly used blood products)
other blood components are also in great demand, like
platelets, for instance.
According to officials at LIFELINE Blood Services, the
availability of platelet products in West Tennessee is
a key aspect of optimum healthcare. “We are currently
trying to increase the number of platelet products to
meet the demands of patients in our area hospitals,”
said Joe Schifano, Chief Executive Officer, LIFELINE
Blood Services. “In the past five years, the need for
platelets has been approximately 160 platelet products
per month. However, in the last sixth months that
number has increased to almost 200 platelet products
per month,” Schifano added. LIFELINE is encouraging
West Tennesseans to learn more about the need for
platelets and how they can become a platelet donor.
Platelets are the part of our blood that helps control
bleeding. Platelets can help
patients with cancer or an
immune system that has been
compromised by chemotherapy
or radiation treatments. People
who have experienced severe
trauma such as an auto
accident or those who have
undergone organ transplant, coronary bypass or those
with blood disorders also may benefit from platelet
transfusion therapy.
Platelet donations may be given through a process
called Apheresis (which means to separate from the
whole). During this process, blood is separated into
components. The platelets are collected and the other
04
parts of the blood are returned to the donor, along
with some saline. The body will replenish the donated
platelets within a few days. This allows a donor to give
platelets every seven days, but no more than 24 times a
year. With just a five day storage life, platelet donations
are delivered to patients in need very soon after the
donation process.
To increase awareness of the need for platelets and to
recruit more donors, LIFELINE Blood Services hosted
a Platelet Awareness Day earlier this summer. Events
included radio interviews with staff and current
donors explaining the need for platelet products
in West Tennessee and the specifics of the platelet
donation process on WNWS/101.5, “The 2HL and
PTD.” A reception honoring current platelet donors
was held as the day marked this year’s “kick-off” to
highlight renewed emphasis on LIFELINE’s platelet
recruitment program in West Tennessee.
The qualifications for becoming a platelet donor are: be
at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in
general good health, be off Aspirin or any medication
containing aspirin for at least two full days, and wait
14 full days after having taken Plavix or Ticlid before
donating. You must also have an adequate platelet
count (which is determined by taking a blood sample.) If
you are interested in becoming a platelet donor or would
like to know more, please visit LIFELINE Blood Services
during blood donor hours:
Mondays and Fridays from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-6 p.m.
or call 731-427-4431, ext. 130 or 800-924-6572, ext. 130.
LIFELINE Blood Services Annual Report
2014
Platelet Program Priority
Summer 2015
05
LIFELINE Blood Services Annual Report
2014
LIFELINE’S Platelet Donors
In Their Own Words
I give blood because it helps people who are
in need of platelets due to medical reasons.
I enjoy giving and feel blessed to be able to
do so. People with high platelet counts should
give it (platelet donation) a try because it is so
rewarding. Visiting with the staff while giving is also
rewarding. LIFELINE Blood Services is the only place I
would ever consider giving my blood, platelets or plasma.
No one ever needs to worry about the facilities or
services they provide.
Mary Lou Climer
I consider it an honor and a blessing
that I am able to give something like
platelets to others who need it. It is
something that no amount of money
can buy or manufacture. I also appreciate
the apheresis staff who make the donation
experience enjoyable.
Chrissy Vandiver
Everyone I know who donates platelets on
a regular basis feels that it is a calling…
something we are almost destined to do – a
way of life. If something happens to interrupt
our regular donation schedule, we are totally
‘bummed out.’ Many people cannot donate for one reason
or another, which makes our ability to do so a
privilege. It’s my hope that I will be able to continue
donating platelets all my life.
Bob Flynn
06
LIFELINE Blood Services Annual Report
2014
LIFELINE’S Platelet Donors
In Their Own Words
All blood product donations are important and useful.
But, the reason I now give platelets as opposed to
whole blood is because the donor pool for platelets is
much smaller. The reason the pool is smaller is because a
platelet donation takes much more time than a regular blood
donation. A blood donation takes an average of 20 minutes. Whereas, a
platelet donation can take up to an hour and a half depending on the
donors platelet count. Therefore, I would like to encourage anyone
who has a flexible schedule that would allow them to take some
extra time every few weeks to consider being a platelet donor.
Annie Richardson
Everyone has a responsibility to be involved in
something outside their own comforts in life. I
am involved in many things but I consider giving
platelets a privilege and also a responsibility.
God has blessed me in so many ways in my
lifetime and continues to do so. Giving platelets is a
small way I can thank Him for the opportunity to help
someone in need. I would encourage anyone who has
the blessing of life to donate platelets so that others
might continue to receive those same blessings.
Freddie Garrett
I began giving platelets many years ago
because my grandmother and my father needed
them. Therefore, I know personally how much
our donations mean to the patients receiving them.
Donating platelets gives me a good feeling because I know
that I have done something worthwhile for others. The
people at LIFELINE have become like family to me.
Chip Coughlin
07
LIFELINE Blood Services Annual Report
2014
LIFELINE Blood Services
Board of Directors
Bobby Arnold
Dan Donaldson
Mark Hayes
Jamie Jenkins, Ph.D.
Jackson, TN
Martin, TN
Dyersburg, TN
Somerville, TN
Joseph Schifano, CEO Camille Searcy, Ph.D.
Jackson, TN
08
Jackson, TN
Jeff Sims, M.D.
Jackson, TN
LIFELINE Blood Services Annual Report
2014
LIFELINE Blood Services
Board of Directors
Esther Milam
Michelle Prince
Bobby Rawson
Jim Rickman
Jackson, TN
Jackson, TN
Alamo, TN
Selmer, TN
Bill Sipes
Jason Smith
Edwin E. Wallis, Jr.
Jackson, TN
Paris, TN
Jackson, TN
09
LIFELINE Blood Services Annual Report
2014
LIFELINE Blood Services
By the Numbers
REVENUES
2014
2013
$6,836,350
$7,061,570
Blood and Blood Components
Other Revenue
341,933 428,477
7,178,283
7,490,047
1,744,635
2,372,156
209,975
1,996,115
1,962,119
2,368,008
220,306
2,097,966
702,523
820,475
7,025,404
152,879
7,468,874
21,173
EXPENSES
Blood Collection & Distribution
Laboratory Services
Quality Assurance
Management and General
Development and
Community Relations
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
10