Honor was awarded during company-hosted blood drive, while 77 donations were collected
NEW HAVEN, CT – Connecticut Blood Center (CTBC) has named Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease as its first-ever “2024 New Sponsor of the Year,” in recognition of the rare disease company’s commitment to supporting the community’s blood bank.
Since Alexion began working with CTBC in April 2024, the biopharmaceutical company has hosted four blood drives at its Center of Excellence in New Haven, resulting in an impressive 310 donations collected in less than one year. During their most recent company-wide blood drive on March 19, they collected a total of 77 donations.
CBTC presented the award to Alexion during the March blood drive.
“Alexion has quickly become a valued partner in our lifesaving mission,” said Jonathan DeCasanova, Account Manager and Community Relations lead at Connecticut Blood Center. “Their dedication to hosting blood drives has made a profound and positive impact on patients in need. We are proud to recognize them as our New Sponsor of the Year and look forward to a continued partnership.”
“We are deeply committed to supporting the health and well-being of the New Haven community, and blood donation is such a critical component of health care,” said Jill Newkirk, Research and Product Development and Clinical Supply Business Operations Specialist, who accepted the award on behalf of Alexion. “We are grateful for our partnership with CTBC and the generous support of our employees, and we look forward to hosting many more blood drives at our New Haven offices.”
Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit ctblood.org or call 800.688.0900.
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About Connecticut Blood Center
Connecticut Blood Center (CTBC) serves as the primary supplier of lifesaving blood products to more than a dozen Connecticut hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. CTBC is operated by Rhode Island Blood Center and is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCe’s Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment, and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. CBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit ctblood.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
