View as we head to Blake Island
Well, I was not disappointed. The revival I had so anticipated was all that I could have hoped for (and more). The exhibitors came out in grand style, bringing gifts and widgets for all. The attendees were thirsty for knowledge and ready for change. Thankfully, I almost kept my nerves under control for my presentation.
The food? Great. The hospitality? Even better. But the best part of all was the unity of the group donor recruitment professionals, laughing and sharing stories for hours, surrounded by a beautiful scenic state park and the locals of Tillicum Village providing insight to their rich heritage that is so much a part of the Pacific Northwest. A short cruise to Blake Island, wrapping up the trip, opened the door to Native culture unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.
Days of waking up at 5 a.m. followed by fun until we dropped, have left me energized, renewed and, yes…sleepy in Seattle.
More than 100 ADRP attendees just learned that their type matters at our presentation, titled TypeMatters! The audience was so engaged and everyone wanted to know how they could replicate our program at their blood center!
The concept is quite simple: educate your blood donors on the procedure needed most from them, based on their blood type. Most people don’t even realize there are various types of donations they can make and that they can help more patients by donating the type that’s right for them.
For example, if you are an O or B blood type, the best way for you to help area patients is by giving a whole blood or double red cell donation because it is the red cell portion of your blood that is in highest demand. Furthermore, for those of you that are Os, you are the universal red cell donor. This means you can help patients in an emergency situation when there is no time to find out a patient’s blood type.
A blood types are needed mostly for platelet donations. The majority of patients can receive your platelets. Platelets are used most often in the treatment of cancer, and donors are in great demand.
It’s important to check with your blood center to learn more about how and where your help is needed. You might be surprised to learn that your donation type can save more lives and make a larger impact. Your TypeMatters!
So, when you hear the word “revival,” what comes to mind? For me, I think of church. A week-long celebration full of guest speakers, fellowship, sharing, and passion. Nearly unbelievable passion.
For an entire year, however, I have anticipated a different kind of revival – one that is a celebration filled with brilliant speakers, fellowship and sharing that knows no boundaries, no territories and no politics. It is a revival of tremendous passion; a passion for saving lives. The revival I have been waiting for is the annual ADRP conference where blood centers across the nation (and worldwide) come together to learn best practices with one mission: keeping the blood supply safe for the patients we all serve.
And this year, I have been chosen to speak. So the anticipation I now have is combined with incredible nerves. However, I will not be alone. I will share the stage with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center and NextLevel Thinking, while speaking about our piece of industry knowledge and best practices. Together we will make a difference. We will lead the revival.
For me, the time is now. There’s no time to waste. It’s all starting right now. An entire year of anticipation. I’m ready for the revival. Tell me about yours.
What inspires you? What can you do with passion like no other?
