Two of Florida’s independent, not-for-profit blood centers, OneBlood, Inc., and The Blood Alliance, Inc., have merged.
The newly formed organization will distribute more than 1 million blood products annually, serve over 210 hospitals throughout most of Florida, parts of Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina and employ more than 2,400 people.
In addition to mitigating cost to hospitals and patients, the merger is expected to bring additional operational efficiencies and further stabilize the blood supply, especially in times of natural disasters such as hurricanes and enhance donor outreach initiatives.
OneBlood CEO, Don Doddridge, who began his blood banking career in Jacksonville, will lead the newly merged organization and an 11 member board of directors will provide oversight, governance and guidance.
Integration of the two organizations will begin immediately. In addition, The Blood Alliance will undergo a rebranding phase in the coming months and transition to the OneBlood brand.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Florida blood centers announce merger