Blood shortage lingers as a result of the winter weather
The blood supply is slowly improving but this winter's extreme weather has plagued the regional (and national) blood supply with numerous blood drive cancellations and lower donor turnout as the cold and snow keeps people away. Unlike with school, days lost cannot be made up.
New Executive Director Steve Beeler accepts the keys from Jacky Kocz
Changing of the Guard
After 28 years of service as Executive Director Jacky Kocz steps down
Jacky Kocz came to Erie in 1986 and has served as Executive Director of the Community Blood Bank for 28 years but she’s retiring at the end of 2013. The new Executive Director, Steven A. Beeler, formally begins his duties in January. Steve has held several positions in the blood bank industry, starting with his work at Indiana Blood Center in 1990 where he served as director in training, collections and apheresis capacities. He most recently served as the CEO of the American Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region in Nashville, until transitioning as the Allied Health Program Chair at Harrison College in Indianapolis in 2010.
During her term as Executive Director, Ms. Kocz pioneered the growth that Community Blood Bank enjoys today. Her vision for partnership development has extended beyond hospital relations, allowing Jacky to foster successful relationships with everyone from her employees to her peers across the country.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 28 years at CBB and to have been part of such a unique and challenging industry,” says Kocz. “The support from our community and colleagues around the country has been huge. I feel confident that Steve will enjoy that same community support and will equally be rewarded by many friendships within ABC. CBB is fortunate to have found such a capable individual to lead the blood bank forward into the future."
The Community Blood Bank would like to thank Jacky for her years of dedication, and wish her all the best as she enjoys a new chapter in her life.
New Hours
Starting in 2014 we’ll close at 5pm instead of 6pm at 26th & Peach
Monday-Friday 8a-5p
Saturday 9a-12:30p
Adam Correll didn’t know it, but a ruptured artery was causing a slow blood leak into his stomach.
Adam Correll didn’t know it, but a ruptured artery was causing a slow blood leak into his stomach. The loss of blood caused him to pass out behind the wheel of his car, and would’ve taken his life if not for the co-worker who happened to see it happen.
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Donor Stories
The Community Blood Bank has been collecting testimonials from our donors about why they donate blood. Many of our donors told us about how they received blood or knew someone received blood and that was what influenced them to start donating.
If you are interested in telling us your story about how blood donation made a life-saving impact on your life please email Deanna Renaud, drenaud@fourhearts.org.
Community Blood Bank’s mission is to assist communities in the region to meet their own needs for a safe, adequate supply of blood and blood products, while meeting or exceeding all safety and compliance requirements, and at the most cost efficient price.
The Community Blood Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania & Western New York is the only supplier of blood and blood products to all the hospitals in Erie, Elk, McKean, Tioga, Potter, Warren counties and Titusville Area Hospital in Crawford County.
The Community Blood Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania & Western New York is also the only supplier of all blood and blood products to Allegany, Chautauqua counties.
In order to maintain a safe and adequate blood supply, Community Blood Bank is asking all local donors to make their life-saving donation with Community Blood Bank to help save the lives of local patients. The Community Blood Bank of NWPA only draws from the areas in which it supplies; all blood donations made with The Community Blood Bank of NWPA stay local and will help to save the lives of local patients.
Follow Your Heart
The Community Blood Bank has been interviewing blood donors, recipients, physicians and community members about their experiences with blood donation. As the only supplier of blood to local hospitals, here is what your donation means to those who have needed it.