A Letter to CRBS Donors

A Letter To Our Donors

Dear Cascade Regional Blood Services Donor,
 
Cascade Regional Blood Services has served the Pierce and South King counties for nearly eight decades, partnering with thousands of donors to deliver lifesaving blood to local hospitals and patients in need. You have been an important part of this incredible legacy.
 
A Letter to CRBS DonorsMuch has changed in the world of blood services since CRBS was founded in 1946.  Like many communities nationwide that have been served for decades by smaller community blood banks similar to CRBS, decreasing collections in Pierce County driven by changing demographics – and an increase in institutional and patient needs – have outpaced the ability of legacy organizations to scale operations quickly enough to meet those demands. 
 
As a valued donor, we wanted you to hear the news directly from us; we will be closing our doors no later than February 29, 2024. CRBS donor centers will, however, remain open in February as we continue to meet community needs.  Responsibility for Blood donations in our area will transition to Bloodworks Northwest in March, following the terms of its agreement with MultiCare Health System. 
 
If you have an existing appointment in February at CRBS, we look forward to welcoming you at either our Tacoma or Puyallup donor centers. With demand for blood and platelets remaining at elevated levels, we encourage you to give as often as possible throughout the transition – in February with us at CRBS and, going forward, with Bloodworks Northwest.
 
Please note that CRBS mobile drives will be canceled starting February 1. Affected donors are encouraged to visit CRBS to find an alternate appointment. Those wishing to donate as a group can still do so by booking in-center visits at either of our donor centers. Going forward, groups wishing to host a mobile blood drive are encouraged to reach out to Bloodworks Northwest.
 
This transition marks the end of a memory-filled 78-year relationship with Pierce County and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for donors and the community we have been privileged to serve. To celebrate those milestones, we will be holding a special event at the end of February. Look for details coming your way soon!
 
In the meantime, please honor our shared legacy of caring for the community by giving your life-saving gift of blood TODAY.
 
Thank you,
 
Pat Scanlon
CEO 
Cascade Regional Blood Services

by Patrick Scanlon

CRBS Transtions in 2024

PRESS RELEASE: CRBS Transition in 2024

FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE                                           CONTACT: Michael Shepherd

January 30, 2024                                                                 michael@theshepherdgroup.com

Cascade Regional Blood Services to Transition Operations

78-Year Community Blood Bank Gives Way to New Provider for Pierce County

CRBS Transtions in 2024After nearly eight decades of partnering with thousands of Pierce County donors to deliver life-saving blood products to local hospitals and patients in need, Cascade Regional Blood Services (CRBS) has announced plans to transition its local blood bank operations in February. The move comes in support of Bloodworks Northwest, who will supply the community through its new contract with MultiCare Health System beginning in March 2024.

Most positions at CRBS will be eliminated no later than February 29 as a result of the transition. Collection operations will taper accordingly. The nonprofit will, however, maintain a few key positions necessary to fulfill its contractual and regulatory obligations in processing and providing blood products.

Like many communities nationwide that have been served for decades by smaller community blood banks like CRBS, decreasing collections driven by changing demographics – and an increase in institutional and patient needs – have outpaced the ability of legacy organizations to scale operations quickly enough to meet those demands. The agreement between MultiCare and Bloodworks Northwest, both larger entities, helps mitigate those challenges and ensures continuity of supply as demands increase.

“This decision in no way diminishes the accomplishments, quality, and dedication of our CRBS Board and staff,” said CEO Pat Scanlon. “It is purely due to the financial and market dynamics of operating a smaller community blood center today.”

Curt Bailey, President and CEO of Bloodworks Northwest, thanked CRBS for its legacy of caring for Pierce County, pledging to build on that tradition with donors, patients, hospitals, and community partners. “What Cascade Regional Blood Services has meant to this community is well documented,” said Mr. Bailey. “We have the utmost respect for their work and, in particular, the care and affection they have for their donors and patients. Over the coming weeks, we welcome the opportunity to meet this important group and continue to save lives locally.”

Donors can show their support by donating at either of CRBS’ two collection centers, located in Tacoma and Puyallup. Both will remain open for a period of time in February. Going forward CRBS encourages donors to book appointments to donate locally with Bloodworks Northwest. Those wishing to learn more about the transition are invited to visit crbs.net or bloodworksnw.org for more information.

-end-

About Cascade Regional Blood Services

Proudly serving hospitals and clinics in Pierce and South King counties since 1946, Cascade Regional Blood Services’ (CRBS) Tacoma donor collection center is located at 220 South I Street and its Puyallup facility at 13613 Meridian Avenue E., Suite #120. CRBS is a proud member of the Blood Centers of America (BCA) as well as America’s Blood Centers (ABC).

About Bloodworks Northwest

Donations to Bloodworks Northwest provide a lifesaving blood supply to 95% of Pacific Northwest hospitals. Since 1944, Bloodworks has served the Pacific Northwest as a local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based blood center and research institute. Bloodworks partners closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Its comprehensive services include blood components, complex cross-matching, specialized lab services for organ transplants, care for patients with blood disorders and collection of cord blood stem cells for cancer treatment. Bloodworks Research Institute performs leading-edge research in blood biology, transfusion medicine, blood storage and treatment of blood disorders. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on its services, expertise, laboratories and research. BloodworksNW.org.

by Patrick Scanlon