Gundersen Boscobel, BloodCenter of Wisconsin team up for blood management

Patients and staff at Gundersen Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics will soon benefit from the services of an organization that provides blood to many Wisconsin hospitals.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2017, BloodCenter of Wisconsin will help Gundersen Boscobel manage their blood supply and products.

"BloodCenter of Wisconsin's mission mirrors ours: provide the best care for patients and improve the health of the community," says David Hartberg, Gundersen Boscobel chief executive officer. "We are excited for our teams to combine our expertise to benefit people of all ages and backgrounds."

Founded in 1947, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, now part of Versiti, is a non-profit leader in transfusion medicine that provides blood to more than 50 hospitals in 30 Wisconsin counties.

Similar to other locations in Gundersen Health System, BloodCenter of Wisconsin services will also lead to more efficient work for Gundersen Boscobel staff.

"This partnership will standardize blood management at our locations," says Judy Dayton, MT (ASCP), CLS (NCA), lab director at Gundersen Boscobel. "We will also have direct blood supply testing at Gundersen in La Crosse and have immediate access to blood supplies in an emergency."

"We previously partnered with the Southwest Chapter of the American Red Cross for blood management," Dayton continues. "We had good service with them, but we are making this change for standardization and better connectivity with other Gundersen locations." 

"The Red Cross is aware of our decision to partner with BloodCenter of Wisconsin, and we have assured them we will continue to support their efforts to provide education, outreach and training for a healthier population," Hartberg says.

For more about BloodCenter of Wisconsin, visit bcw.edu. Gundersen Boscobel services and information can be found at gundersenhealth.org/boscobel.