Spreading the word

Among the greatest challenges SCBB faces in recruiting and retaining donors is that the public is not aware that the need for blood is constant. Our hospitals cannot save lives without a safe and reliable supply of blood 365 days a year. Getting SCBB’s message out to the general public is now easier due to the generosity of Alice Rau. Understanding the important work we do, Mrs. Rau funded the creation of a powerful video featuring local blood donors, recipients and physicians. We urge you to take 5 minutes to watch this very moving video. Consider sharing the video with your friends, family and neighbors. Spread the word.

Cindy Malkin, Board Chair and Sarah Pappas, President of the William G. Selby and Marie Selby Foundation visit with blood donor Betty Johnson and phlebotomist Brenda Shumway.

SCBB recently received a $48,000 grant from the William G. Selby and Marie Selby Foundation to purchase state-of-the art blood collection equipment. This equipment maximizes collection efficiency and enhances the quality of healthcare available to the community. The grant made it possible for us to acquire 40 automated blood mixers which result in the virtual elimination of product loss due to clotting and other preventable conditions. These automated mixers also replace some manual processes and ensures that the blood is collected during a fifteen minute time limit. On August 1st, SCBB officially started using the new blood mixers at all of its donor centers and bloodmobiles. Cindy Malkin and Sarah Pappas with the William G. Selby and Marie Selby Foundation visited the Mound Street donor center to look at the new equipment. SCBB thanks the William G. Selby and Marie Selby Foundation for their support.

From left to right: Cindy Malkin, Sarah Pappas, Betty Johnson and Brenda Shumway

Brian Kolba, Allstate, presents a $500 check to Sara Bagley, President of SCBB Board of Directors and Dr. Mark Magenheim, SCBB CEO and Medical Director.

Brian Kolba, LUTCF, Agency Principal of Kolba Agency, Inc. of Sarasota and Allstate Insurance Company, recently awarded SCBB with a $500 charitable donation. Mr. Kolba nominated SCBB for an Allstate Helping Hands Grant, which allows Allstate employees to give monetary gifts to charitable organizations for which they volunteer their time. Mr. Kolba has been a volunteer with Suncoast Communities since 2005 and has helped with special events and outreach efforts. He also voluntarily gives of his time by donating blood. Suncoast Communities Blood Bank is appreciative of this gift and values Mr. Kolba’s time and talents. He contributes wholeheartedly to making the community a better place by advancing the lifesaving message about the importance of blood donations.

From left to right: Brian Kolba, Sara Bagley and Dr. Mark Magenheim