In Fall 2007, ADRP had a significant presence at the AABB Conference held in Anaheim, CA.
As it has for the past several years, ADRP sponsored several sessions in the donor recruitment track of the conference. Information on the sessions appears later in this article.
ADRP also manned a booth at the conference. The association used the booth to promote the 2008 Conference to be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia from April 29 to May 3. Individuals stopping by the booth were presented with a post-it notepad containing the conference dates and theme, "A Salute to All Who Recruit."
The association also invited international attendees to stop by the booth to discuss ways ADRP could help with donor recruitment and participate in a survey.
The ADRP held its third board meeting of the year during the AABB conference, setting up plans for the 2008 conference and membership efforts.
The association also had great attendance at its Annual Appreciation Reception, which was held on Monday night of the AABB conference. The association invited members, prospective members and various center CEOs to the event.
ADRP Board Member and Past President Joyce Kleist serves on the AABB Program Committee and helped organize the conference sessions sponsored by ADRP. These sessions included:
Know the Score and Win the Game
Speakers: Maria Elena Geyer, Puget Sound Blood Center; Mike Parejko, Indiana Blood Center; LuAnn McDaniels, Indiana Blood Center
Director: Joyce Kleist
Moderator: Vicki Thomas
The speakers discussed techniques necessary to create a harmonious interaction between the collection and recruitment staff to ensure that collection goals for the organization are met. They also outlined the criteria needed when creating a solid plan to improve the relationship between the two departments.
The Telephone Rings, Do They Answer?
Speaker: Shankar Goudar
Director: Dave Bonk
Moderator: Carolyn Mihalko
Federal and state "Do Not Call" laws have been in effect since October 2003. A recent survey of 60 blood centers reveals that this legislation has been having significant impact on donor recruitment efforts. The speakers discussed what is permissible under "Do Not Call" legislation, why it is important to maintain a good "Do Not Call" file, and what blood centers can do to affect change in the legislation.
Global Perspectives of Donor Recruitment
Director: Rolf Kovenentsky
Moderator: Christine Foran
Speakers: Michael Nichol; Diane DeConing; Charles Kinney
International speakers provided information on the status of donor recruitment efforts outside the United States. Issues affecting the donor recruitment effort were presented along with tactics and strategies used to meet patient blood donor needs.
Maximizing the Potential of High School and College Drives
Director: Diane Wolf
Moderator: Sue Churchill
Speakers: Tracy Lamoureux; Carla Peterson; Mary Ann Ducedre
The presentations reviewed three effective approaches. The first introduced the participants to "What’s Your Type?"— a high school classroom session designed to fit in with Biology curriculum. The second presentation showed how to attract new youth donors and keep them donating. The third presentation identified a new way for teen donors to see themselves as lifelong blood donors.