ORGANIZATIONS PARTNER TO FORM NEW SPECIALIST IN BLOOD BANKING (SBB) TRAINING PROGRAM

RICHMOND, Va. (Aug. 15, 2023) – Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation (CTF) and Blood Assurance have now entered the world of teaching through a new partnership. The organizations have launched a Specialist in Blood Bank (SBB) program, The Alliance for Biotherapy Education & Leadership (ABEL).

On Monday, Aug. 14, ABEL welcomed the inaugural class to its new 12-month course that provides comprehensive hands-on and online training in all aspects of blood banking, including blood collection, blood component manufacturing, transfusion medicine practice, management, and more. Students in the course have a bachelor’s degree, and at least two years of transfusion service or blood bank laboratory experience. At the conclusion of the course, they will take a national exam, and if they pass, receive the distinguished SBB certification. Orientation and several hands-on portions of the course are taking place at Blood Assurance’s laboratory in Chattanooga, Tenn.

“This is an exciting time for our organization,” according to Dr. Robert Carden, president and CEO of Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation. “It has been extraordinary to see the program launch so quickly.”

The first ABEL class has five students. Next year, the number of students will be increased and applicants will be accepted from across the country. Dr. Carden is President of ABEL, Susan Dewberry, SBB is the Program Director, and Blood Assurance’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Liz Culler, MD is Medical Director.

“ABEL is incredibly important because it’s going to help address staffing issues that are plaguing blood centers and hospital transfusion services across the nation,” said Culler.

There are currently only 12 accredited SBB programs in the country.

If interested in knowing more about the program including the next class start date, please contact Susan Dewberry, SBB at SDewberry@CTF.life.

About Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation

Commonwealth Transfusion Foundation (CTF) is a non-profit, private foundation whose mission is to support Virginia based transfusion and healthcare initiatives. ​

About Blood Assurance

Blood Assurance is a nonprofit, full-service regional blood center serving more than 70 health care facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky and North Carolina. Founded in 1972 as a joint effort of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council and the Chattanooga Jaycees, the mission of Blood Assurance is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every area patient in need.