Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies

Healthcare Icons in Black History 🤝🏾 🔬 – Part 5 We are back this week with three more inspiring stories in our Healthcare Icons in Black History series! Today, we are a highlighting a true pioneer in sickle cell treatment, Dr. Yvette Francis-McBarnette. She was one of the first researchers to introduce the use of hydroxyurea to manage sickle cell disease (SCD) symptoms. Her work transformed the way SCD patients received care, significantly reducing complications and improving their quality of life. As one of the first Black women to graduate from Yale Medical School, she spent decades advocating for equitable healthcare access for Black communities and tirelessly worked to improve SCD treatment options. Her contributions remain a cornerstone in SCD research and patient care. Learn more about Dr. Yvette Francis-McBarnette at https://lnkd.in/g3mFzWrB #BlackHistoryMonth #SickleCellTreatment #HematologyHeroes

Healthcare Icons in Black History 🤝🏾 🔬 – Part 4 Dr. Charles F. Whitten was a trailblazing physician and advocate for sickle cell disease (SCD) awareness and treatment. He co-founded the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. — National in 1971 to improve the lives of individuals affected by SCD. His relentless efforts led to increased public awareness, funding for research, and the implementation of national newborn screening programs. Through SCDAA, Dr. Whitten helped establish vital support networks for patients and families. His dedication laid the groundwork for many advancements in SCD care and advocacy, making a lasting impact on global health. Learn more about Dr. Charles F. Whitten at https://lnkd.in/gVCAQE9Z Come back next week for Parts 5 – 7 of Healthcare Icons in Black History! #BlackHistoryMonth #SickleCellAdvocacy #HematologyHeroes

Did you know that over 50% of therapeutic apheresis procedures performed in the U.S. help rare disease patients? For Rare Disease Day, we’re proud to spotlight Kevin Wake, M.S., CHW, President of the URIEL E OWENS SICKLE CELL DISEASE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIDWEST, sickle cell disease warrior, and dedicated advocate for rare disease patients. Kevin’s journey with sickle cell disease while being a community leader continues to inspire us all. During our LinkedIn Live panel, Kevin will share his powerful story, his commitment to advancing sickle cell care, and the work being done to improve lives for others living with rare diseases. 💡 Join us to hear Kevin’s story and learn how collaboration and innovation are transforming the future of rare disease care. 📅 When: February 27 at 12 PM MST/ 2 PM EST  📍 Where: LinkedIn Live Event Below Click "Attend" to save your spot for this inspiring event!  Between now and the event, feel free to watch the heart-touching video below of Kevin Wake getting to meet 42 blood donors who saved his life. https://lnkd.in/gfEK3z63

Healthcare Icons in Black History 🤝🏾 🔬– Part 3 Coined the “father of the blood bank”, Dr. Charles Drew revolutionized blood banking, creating life-saving storage and transfusion techniques that changed medicine forever. As the first African American to earn a doctorate from Columbia University, he developed innovative methods for preserving blood plasma, leading to the establishment of the first large-scale blood banks. His research was instrumental during World War II, ensuring safe and effective blood transfusions for soldiers. Despite racial discrimination, Dr. Drew remained a strong advocate for Black physicians and medical professionals. His work laid the foundation for modern blood donation and plasma preservation. Learn more about Dr. Charles Drew at https://lnkd.in/e2aTiDa5 #BlackHistoryMonth #BloodBanking #HematologyHeroes

Healthcare Icons in Black History 🤝🏾 🔬 – Part 2 Singer Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, best known as a member of the iconic group TLC, has been a fierce advocate for sickle cell disease (SCD) awareness. Diagnosed with SCD as a child, she defied the odds to achieve her dreams while navigating a life-threatening condition. Through her platform, she has raised awareness about SCD, highlighting the struggles many patients face and advocating for better research and treatment. Her story is one of resilience, inspiring those living with chronic illnesses to keep pushing forward. Hear more about T-Boz’s journey with SCD at https://lnkd.in/gpXVn_kh #BlackHistoryMonth #SickleCellWarrior #HematologyHeroes

Healthcare Icons in Black History 🤝🏾 🔬 – Part 1 As we celebrate not just one of the 28 remarkable days of Black History Month but also the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we are excited to launch our ‘Healthcare Icons in Black History’ series by honoring a Black woman whose innovative contributions have left a lasting impact on healthcare! Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston dedicated her career to researching sickle cell disease (SCD) and improving healthcare for underserved communities. In 1986, her groundbreaking study on the benefits of penicillin prophylaxis for children with SCD led to mandatory newborn screening programs across the United States. Her work has saved thousands of lives by enabling early detection and treatment of SCD. Dr. Gaston also became the first Black woman to direct the Bureau of Primary Health Care, ensuring better healthcare access for marginalized communities. Her contributions continue to shape the fight against SCD. Learn more about Dr. Marilyn Hughes Gaston at https://lnkd.in/d3nTpeD #BlackHistoryMonth #SickleCellAwareness #HematologyHeroes

We are proud of our ongoing work with the Coalition of Blood for Africa - CoBA and the positive impact the organization has had on patients in the region. Collaboration with governments and global organizations such as the World Health Organization and WHO Foundation is critical to ensuring a safe, and sustainable blood supply—critical for access to life-saving treatments. We look forward to partnering with various stakeholders to increase the equitable supply of safe blood. We must all work together to achieve zero deaths due to the lack of safe blood. #DonateBlood #GiveBlood #PatientAccess #HealthEquity

Thanks so much for your warm welcome, Access Employment Limited! We’re so glad our contribution could help make a difference! #TerumoProud

This Black History Month, we honor the contributions of Black individuals and communities who have battled blood disorders and advanced hematology. From groundbreaking research to advocacy, their impact continues to shape the future of blood and cell therapies. Throughout February, we will share seven stories of pioneers in medicine, scientists, and advocates who have dedicated their lives to improving health outcomes in a series called “Healthcare Icons in Black History”. Join us in recognizing their remarkable contributions. #BlackHistoryMonth #HematologyHeroes #TerumoBCT

🌟 Join Us for a Rare Disease Day LinkedIn Live Event on February 27! 🌟 Rare Disease Day is a moment to champion innovation, advocacy, and the lives touched by rare conditions worldwide. We’re thrilled to host a special LinkedIn Live event featuring Jackie Kunzler, Terumo BCT’s Senior Vice President, Global Head of R&D, and Mason Barrett , Policy Analyst at the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Jackie will share her expertise in advancing blood therapies and solutions for rare diseases, while Mason will highlight NORD’s tireless efforts to improve diagnosis and treatment access. Together, they’ll discuss the latest advancements shaping care for rare disease patients. 💡 Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how innovation and advocacy are making a difference in rare disease care. 📅 When: February 27 at 12 pm MST/ 2 pm EST 📍 Where: LinkedIn Live Event Below Click "Attend" and be part of this critical conversation! In the meantime, check out this interesting facts sheet about rare diseases. Some of these statistics will blow your mind! https://lnkd.in/gwG29CPQ #TerumoBCT #RareDiseaseDay #InnovationAndQuality #HealthcareAdvancement