Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandy Albert.
Mandy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our canine blood bank was established in early 2016 with the mission of providing life-saving blood products to dogs in need. At the time, the members of The Greyhound Health Initiative non-profit board of directors recognized that a dedicated blood bank would be the most effective way to support the community and address the growing demand for veterinary blood products.
The need for canine blood donations has been significant, with only a few commercial blood banks serving the entire United States. By establishing our blood bank, we have been able to help fulfill this urgent need and, in doing so, save countless canine lives. Just like humans, dogs require blood for surgeries, accidents, and various medical conditions.
Each time one of our hero blood donors makes a donation, they have the potential to save up to four other dogs’ lives. Their generosity and contribution play a vital role in ensuring that life-saving treatments remain accessible to veterinary patients in need.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Establishing our blood bank was no simple feat. What began with just the two of us—Courtney Kindler and myself (Mandy Albert)—quickly became a mission to create a life-saving resource for veterinary care. With limited guidelines and regulations governing animal blood banks, we had to develop our own processes from the ground up, ensuring that the health and well-being of our blood donors remained our highest priority.
Through dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the health of our blood donors and the veterinary community they serve, we built a foundation that continues to support the needs of countless animals in critical care.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our blood bank team is distinguished by our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our canine blood donors, who are truly the heroes of our program. Their health, comfort, and happiness are always our highest priority.
Through our trusted veterinary partners, Riverside Drive Animal Care Center and Rascal Unit, we provide comprehensive medical examinations and laboratory testing at no cost, ensuring that our donors remain in optimal health. Additionally, as long as they are part of our blood donor program, we offer complimentary heartworm and flea prevention to support their continued wellness. Each of our blood donors receives almost $1000 in covered medical expenses.
We believe in a compassionate and voluntary approach to donation. If a dog is hesitant to donate, we never use sedation or force. Instead, we provide multiple opportunities for them to participate. If they ultimately choose not to, we respectfully retire them from the program, prioritizing their comfort and autonomy.
Many of our donors eagerly look forward to their visits, enjoying the affectionate care, attention, and special “junk food” they receive at the blood bank. Their enthusiasm is invaluable to us, and we deeply appreciate their role in helping save lives.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
The “Manual of Veterinary Transfusion Medicine and Blood Banking” by Kenichiro Yagi & Marie Holowaychuk has been an incredible resource for us. We reference this book frequently, especially when coming up with processes and making sure we are adhering to industry standards.
We are also members of the Association of Veterinary Hematology & Transfusion Medicine (AVHTM). It’s a place where we can connect with other professionals in the field, swap insights on what works best, and stay up to date with the latest research.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://caninebloodbank.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghi_blood_bank/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHIBloodbank
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ghi-blood-bank
