Thank You, Veterans!
On Tuesday, we honored Veterans Day the best way we know how: by saving lives.
Donors and veterans across our region stepped up at patriotic blood drives hosted by Marshall VFW, the University of Illinois ROTC, the VFW’s in-center drive at our Fairview Heights Donor Center, and others. Together, these drives paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who serve while helping ensure patients have the blood they need.
Our feature video this week highlights Dr. Burl Randolph Jr., Col., U.S. Army (Ret.) and member of our Board of Directors, who shared what blood donation has meant to him throughout his military career. “I gave blood my entire military career,” he said. “That’s the only thing you can do that no one else can claim. It came from you.”
From the Middle East, to the Midwest, Dr. Randolph has seen the lifesaving importance of blood firsthand, and his message is one every veteran and donor can take to heart. Giving blood is another way to serve.
Women Lead Change
Women Lead Change is dedicated to the development, advancement, and promotion of women, their organizations, and to impacting the economy and future workforce. We were proud to be a part of the 2025 Women Lead Change Conference on Wednesday in the Quad Cities.
While Tori Tebbitt was there to learn from some of the best about team-building, conflict management, and leadership in the workplace, Angela Reese, Teresa Gottschalk, Alex Burkamper, and Kirby Winn were there for the day to speak with attendees between sessions, share information about our lifesaving mission, and offer blood typing to anyone interested. Herky the Hawk, part of Lisa Bluder's entourage, even dropped by to learn his type!
Speakers included Lisa Bluder, the winningest women's basketball coach in Big Ten history; Cy Wakeman, a New York Times best-selling author and leadership guru; Kate Gladdin, best-selling author and named one of Australia's 100 Women of Influence; and more.
Inaugural Heartland Community College Blood Club Meeting
Big things are starting at Heartland Community College.
Wednesday, students gathered for the very first meeting of the Heartland Community College Blood Club, the first community college blood club of its kind. This marks the first time HCC’s Student Engagement Department has officially partnered with a nonprofit to make a difference for patients.
During the meeting, students learned more about our mission and what it means to help provide lifesaving blood to hospitals in their community. Together with Student Engagement Director Sarah Tipton, who will guide and support the group, members began planning their 2026 goals, future drives, and upcoming projects.
We’re proud to welcome Heartland Community College to our growing family of student leaders who are helping shape the future of blood donation.
Guns N Hoses St. Louis
Our St. Louis area donor centers packed a punch these past two weeks.
Together with the annual Guns ‘N Hoses fundraiser, we gave donors the chance to win free tickets to this year’s police vs. fire boxing match at the Enterprise Center on November 26. The event benefits The BackStoppers, a St. Louis nonprofit that provides financial assistance to families of fallen or injured first responders.
This partnership is another great example of how we connect with the communities we serve and join forces with local heroes to put good into the world.