Letter From the President
Dear Colleagues:
In the summer issue, I promised to share with you the Board of Directors’ vision following the September meeting. The Strategic Policy and Planning Committee established several goals that will enable the organization to remain viable in a technological world. Since many goals revolve around the website, the Newsletter/Website Committee was split into two separate standing committees. Expansion of the website is an integral part of the overall plan and will enable BBANYS to have a greater web presence. A Members Only area will permit individual and institutional members to access the newsletter and review job postings. The Education Committee will host regional educational programs and examine how to reach a larger website audience. While charged with committee-specific responsibilities, the Newsletter, Website, and Education Committees will work closely together to bring the organization’s goals to fruition. The Membership/Nominations Committee is charged with increasing membership and identifying candidates for board positions as members complete their terms. The Finance Committee and a Dean Whittier representative are reviewing options to maximize the return on investments.
In the meantime, George Wilner, M.D., Director of the Blood Bank and Hematology Laboratory at Albany Medical Center Hospital, was appointed Editor of BBANYS Quarterly. Dr. Wilner (along with Joanne Becker, M.D.) served as Interim Editor of the summer 2007 issue. Many thanks to John Burch, M.D. for offering the services of his staff at the American Red Cross Blood Services, New York-Penn Region in formatting the newsletter. Ann Saunders will oversee that effort. Readers will notice two changes in this issue. Albany Medical Center Hospital’s Blood Bank is highlighted in the cover story. With each issue, a different institutional member will have the opportunity to showcase its facility, blood bank and/or transfusion service. (Albany Medical Center just happens to be first alphabetically.) Secondly, I am pleased to announce that BBANYS now has its own telephone number! For all BBANYS business, please call (518) 356-0527. You are encouraged to call with questions regarding membership, education, pertinent legislation, the annual meeting or to become actively involved in the organization.
On another note, I must make mention of AABB’s annual meeting in Anaheim, CA. The topics were varied and the speakers were very informative. Two topics in particular stand out in my mind - hemovigilance and pandemic flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects an episode of pandemic flu within the next one to five years. Elective surgeries can be cancelled, but the need for blood components will not diminish. Social isolation may be mandated to thwart the spread of the virus in affected communities. Blood centers and hospitals will face many obstacles to ensure that the blood supply is adequate. On the lighter side, in spite of wildfires in surrounding communities, attendees were able to enjoy many of the area’s attractions. What trip would be complete without a visit with Mickey Mouse?
One of the most vivid memories of the AABB meeting was the keynote address by Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of Presidential candidate, Senator John Edwards. Mrs. Edwards, who has been battling breast cancer, was diagnosed with lung cancer in March. She gave a very moving overview of her personal journey through the health care system with the support of family, friends, and thousands of well-wishers. She also observed many women who appeared to have no support or advocate. Mrs. Edwards had a message for all of us. She spoke of the need for physicians and other health care providers to “get it right” when they communicate with patients who may be alone, frightened, confused, and unsure of the future. She mentioned that each morning when she awakens, she thanks God for another chance for the health care providers and researchers to “get it right” and she thanks God for another chance for herself to “get it right” with family, friends, colleagues, and cancer patients that she encounters. It gave me pause to think that each new day gives those in transfusion medicine another opportunity to “get it right” as we collect, test, and transfuse blood and blood components. We need to strive on a daily basis to improve quality and safety in an error-free environment because patients are relying on us to "get it right".
In closing, as the holidays approach, I would like to wish everyone a joyous holiday season. May the New Year bring you peace, good health and prosperity.
Marcia Kolakoski, MS
President, BBANYS
(518) 356-0527
mkola@bbanys.org