From the Desk Of:
Col. Richard H. McBride, Director, ASBPO
Summer is upon us and as we do every year around this time, we've launched our annual summer campaign. I encourage everyone to join our "arms race" to help save the lives of service members, veterans and their families. You will see our message of encouragement on ASBP Facebook, ASBP Twitter and our Pinterest site. I would ask each and every one of you to "like," share, comment and pin to help spread the word.
It is my sad duty to inform you that our office will be unable to attend the AABB annual meeting this year, and subsequently unable to host our always well-attended workshop. Economic restraints are the culprit, as may be expected. You will find my full statement here.
In this issue of Focal Point we congratulate Lt. Cmdr. Leslie Riggs, our deputy director of policy, on his promotion to commander, and we highlight some very special donors -- NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr., who rolled up his sleeve during a blood drive at NASA Headquarters, and Randy and Kathy Fagan, who have completed more than 80 donations!
We also check in with the Robertson Blood Center to find out how they fared during a recent FDA inspection, and we update you on donor travel restriction deferrals along with important training portions of our website.
Thanks to our dedicated donors, staff members, volunteers and supporters, we are halfway through 2013 and still going strong. On behalf of the entire ASBP, thank you!Col. Richard H. McBride |
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Join the Arms Race, Donate Blood
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Congratulations to Our Very Own Lt. Cmdr. Riggs
 Congratulations to Navy Lt. Cmdr. Leslie Riggs on his recent promotion to commander. Riggs has been the deputy director of policy for the ASBP since November.
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ASBP Blood Donor is "Out of This World"
 When the ASBP visited NASA Headquarters, for a blood drive, an "out of this world" donor rolled up his sleeve to help save lives.
Find out who.
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ODRS Training Available via ASBP Website
Did you know that users seeking training for the Operational Data Reporting System (ODRS) may access the training materials through the ASBP website? There are two updated ODRS training presentations available at the ODRS site. One presentation is for the Donor Module and the second is for the Transfusion Module. Learn more on the ASBP website.* * Users must have a Common Access Card (CAC) to access this section of the ASBP website. |
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No Uniform Required
The ASBP Focal Point civilian hero of the month
 Donating blood brought Randy and Kathy Fagan together, and since then they have donated 80 times. This "Dynamic Duo" may be retiring soon, but that won't stop them from saving lives. Read more on the ASBP website. |
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Picture This!
The ASBP Focal Point picture of the month
 A donor shares her reason for donating blood during an ASBP blood drive conducted by the Armed Services Blood Bank Center in Guam.
For more pictures from the event, check out their Facebook page.
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Checkin' in with the:
Robertson Blood Center, Fort Hood, Texas
The Food and Drug Administration recently visited the Robertson Blood Center. Find out how it went on the ASBP website. |
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Changes to Donor Eligibility
Donor eligibility restrictions for those who have traveled to Europe have changed somewhat. These changes are highlighted on the ASBP website on the "Can I Donate?" page under "Travel Restrictions."
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Theater Blood Training Available on ASBP Website
Did you know that the ASBP website has a variety of theater blood training materials available to military blood bankers and staff members? Materials include standard operating procedures for managing donations, shipping blood products, blood administration and much more.
See what is available.*
* Users must have a Common Access Card (CAC) to access this section of the ASBP website.
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Industry News
Blood Community Responds to Tragedies in Boston, Texas
Members of civilian and Department of Defense blood communities immediately began assessing and responding to blood needs after the Boston Marathon attack and the Waco, Texas fertilizer plant explosion in April. Find out more.* * An AABB membership is required to view the full article online.
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Featured Video
Members from the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., sponsor an ASBP blood drive and prove that a "little bit of blood goes a long way."
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Pins and Pints
The ASBP Focal Point pin of the month
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About the ASBP
The ASBP plays a key role in providing quality blood products for service members, veterans and their families in both peace and war. As a tri-service organization, the ASBP has many components working together to collect, process and store, distribute and transfuse blood worldwide. Learn more on the ASBP website.
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