As the end of 2015 draws nigh, I decided to clean house and accomplish my “ABC 2015 To-Do List” to clear the way for 2016 New Year’s resolutions. I am sharing this list with you today in the hopes that you will find it in your heart to review these items and pitch in to lay the groundwork for an even better, stronger ABC.
ABC 2015 End-of-Year To-Do List
- Make an end-of-year donation to the FABC. I wrote my end-of-year check last week. I hope that you will join me with a generous donation to our API Capital Campaign. Your gift will support state-of-the-art learning for blood center professionals, the development of future industry leaders, and high level educational materials for policy decision-makers on key advocacy issues.
- Schedule an appointment with your member(s) of Congress (MOC) at their local district offices. ABC’s Community Blood Center Advocacy Week is scheduled Feb. 15-19, 2016, and coincides with the Congressional recess when MOCs are in their home districts. With the many issues facing ABC members, it is important that legislators and regulators hear our voice. Support this national effort by scheduling your local appointment now.
- Nominate an ABC colleague (or yourself) for ABC’s FY 2017 board of directors. The ABC Nominating Committee has issued a call for nominations to create a blockbuster slate of nominees for your board of directors. Look about you and send a quick e-mail recommending an emerging leader, a longtime influencer, or a specialty content expert to serve on the board. Nominations are due Dec. 31, 2015.
- Sign on to the ABC Member Website and acquaint yourself with ABC’s key issues and offerings. This year, ABC updated the Member Website to better meet member needs. Have you taken a look around yet? Take a few minutes to review comment letters, educational opportunities, or your board of directors. If you have not yet registered for the new Member Website, click here to go live!
2015 has been a very productive and exciting year for ABC. This year we initiated a successful grassroots campaign, resulting in the reversal of devastating cuts to blood and blood product reimbursement proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; worked closely with policy makers on critical blood center issues; implemented the new Member Website; established the ABC Professional Institute (API); integrated a new meeting app to improve communication with our members, and much more.
None of our achievements would be possible without the tremendous backing and goodwill of ABC members. Your ongoing support, as individual volunteers and as active blood center members, makes ABC strong. On behalf of the entire ABC staff, I thank you and wish you, your family, and your blood center staff and donors a joyous holiday season. May 2016 be filled with personal and professional happiness and success.
Christine Zambricki, DNAP, CRNA, FAAN; Chief Executive Officer;czambricki@americasblood.org