Blood Bank of Alaska

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History Founded in 1962, Blood Bank of Alaska's primary purpose is to supply blood needs for the sick and injured of Alaska. Blood is provided entirely by volunteer donors throughout the state. As Alaska has grown, so has the demand for available blood products. The first year of operation required only 682 pints of blood while the demand for the current year is projected at over 25, 000 units. One reason for this increase is advances in medical and surgical care within the state. Blood Bank of Alaska is committed to keeping pace with the demands of providing 24 hour service to over 24 Alaskan hospitals spanning over half a million square miles. In 1995, Blood Bank of Alaska opened its Mat-Su Center in Wasilla, and in 1999, the Kenai Peninsula Center in Soldotna. Subsequently, our first self-contained mobile collection unit, the "LIFEmobile", was purchased entirely through community funding. In 2005, the Fairbanks Center opened its doors to the community. Other expanded services include a blood irradiator, and a state-of-the-art Blood Information System. For the past five years, Blood Bank of Alaska has placed an emphasis on mobile collections, using both LIFEmobile and portable equipment, which can be set up in churches, schools and offices. To continue Blood Bank of Alaska's initiative of increasing blood collections, its services must expand. Blood Bank of Alaska is licensed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is inspected and accredited by the Clinical Lab Improvement Association (CLIA) and the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). It is also a member of America's Blood Centers (ABC) and a charter member of the Pacific Northwest Alliance of Blood Banks. The alliance includes: Blood Bank of Alaska, in Spokane, Washington; Lane Memorial Blood Bank in Eugene, Oregon; and Puget Sound Blood Center in Seattle.