| Friday, May 30, 2025: Morning Sessions |
| 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. |
Registration and Breakfast |
| 8:00 - 8:10 a.m. |
Welcome Remarks |
| 8:10 - 9:10 a.m. |
Keynote Address | Blood Donation in the U.S.: How Can We Meet the Transfusion Needs of a Multicultural Population
Yvette Marie Miller, MD, ABIHM
Executive Medical Officer
American Red Cross
Speaker Bio: Dr. Yvette Marie Miller is the Executive Medical Officer for the American Red Cross. She has had a long career with Red Cross, serving in various leadership capacities including regional Medical Director and Director of Automated Collections and Clinical Services. Dr. Miller is a nationally recognized expert and sought after speaker on issues related to blood donor eligibility, donor recruitment and retention in the African American community to meet the transfusion needs of patients with Sickle Cell Disease and general blood availability, equitable access to blood donation for all underrepresented communities and leading conversations on addressing structural racism and bias and the impact on access to healthcare, economic development and education. In 2022, she participated in the NHLBI State of the Science in Transfusion Medicine Virtual Symposium, co-leading the Donor and blood recipient health disparities in transfusion medicine work group. The work group focused on identifying challenges and solutions regarding access to resources by blood donors and blood recipients. Dr. Miller’s outstanding work has been recognized by numerous organizations. In 2024, she was the recipient of the Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) Hemphill-Jordan Leadership Award for her unwavering commitment to advancing health equity, for her strong leadership in the field, and for her work in pursuing access to optimal health care for all patients. Her voice was essential in the establishment of AABB’s DEIA Committee.
Abstract: Dr. Miller will review historical information regarding segregation of the blood supply, and its impact on the donor pool today. She’ll describe techniques to recruit donors from marginalized communities and discuss the role the ARDP in meeting the transfusion of diverse patients.
Objectives – the learner will be able to:
- Discuss the history of segregation of the blood supply in the U.S.
- Describe two approaches to recruiting blood donors in underrepresented communities.
- Discuss the roll that the American Rare Donor Program (ARDP) plays in meeting transfusion needs of a diverse population.
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| 9:10 - 9:40 a.m. |
SCD Topic
Francis Coyne Details coming soon!
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| 9:40 - 10:00 a.m. |
Break |
| 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. |
Sickle Cell Disease, Transfusions, and Reproductive Health
Cheryl Mensah
Assistant Professor, Hofstra School of Medicine
Phelps Memorial Northwell Health
Speaker Bio: Dr. Cheryl Mensah is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Assistant Attending Physician in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. She provides specialized hematologic care at Phelps Hospital in Sleepy Hollow, NY.
Dr. Mensah earned her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Internal
Medicine at Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine. She subsequently pursued fellowship training in Hematology and Oncology at Northwell. With a strong dedication to benign hematology, she undertook a specialized sickle cell elective at Johns Hopkins University to further refine her expertise in managing hemoglobinopathies.
Dr. Mensah is an active leader in national hematology initiatives. She serves as the Co-Chair of the Education and Advocacy Subcommittee for the Foundation for Women and Girls with Blood Disorders Sickle Cell Learning Action Network.
Her research focuses on optimizing transfusion strategies for hemoglobinopathies, carrier screening for thalassemia, and the management of sickle cell disease. Dr. Mensah has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, including articles in the ASH Education Program. She has also contributed to clinical trials assessing novel therapies for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent thalassemia.
With her extensive experience in hematology, transfusion medicine, and patient advocacy, Dr. Mensah continues to shape the future of benign hematology and improve outcomes for patients with inherited blood disorders.
Abstract: We will explore the unique reproductive health challenges faced by individuals with sickle cell disease. Drawing from clinical expertise and research, this session will cover pregnancy management, transfusion strategies, and emerging therapies. Attendees will gain insights into evidence-based approaches and multidisciplinary care strategies to improve reproductive health in this patient population.
Objectives – the learner will be able to:
- Explain sickle cell disease pathophysiology and its complications affecting reproductive health.
- Describe the role of transfusions in pregnancy and gene therapy.
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| 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. |
Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions, Hyperhemolysis and Sickle Cell Disease
Suzie Noronha, MD
Associate Professor
University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry
Speaker Bio: Dr. Suzie Noronha is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist and the director of the Pediatric Sickle Cell program at the University of Rochester. After completing pediatric heme/onc fellowship at Johns Hopkins/National Cancer Institute in 2009, she joined the peds heme/onc faculty at University of Maryland. She was recruited to University of Rochester in 2013 and has been the site principal investigator for several multicenter sickle cell trials. Dr. Noronha has become a regional leader in improving quality of care for patients with sickle cell disease, including collaborating to develop the first and only comprehensive adult sickle cell program in upstate New York.
Abstract: Through detailed review of a clinical case, this presentation is intended to increase awareness of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTR) and hyperhemolysis in patients with sickle cell disease, the difficulties in identifying and treating these complications, and emerging approaches to prevent & treat DHTR and hyperhemolysis.
Objectives – the learner will be able to:
- Review how the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease predisposes to delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction and hyperhemolysis.
- Learn about growing data on approach for prevention and treatment of DHTR.
- Understand the potential severe clinical consequences of DHTR.
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| 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. |
Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease: Options and Implementation
Yvette Tanhehco, PhD, MD, MS, CABP(AABB)
Medical Director of Cellular Therapy Laboratory
Columbia University
Speaker Bio: Dr. Yvette C. Tanhehco is an Associate Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) and the Director of the Cellular Therapy Laboratory and Assistant Director of Transfusion Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/CUIMC. She obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree in viral oncology from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD; a Medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, PA; and a Masters of Science degree in Translational Research from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. She completed both her residency training in Clinical Pathology and fellowship training in Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Tanhehco’s clinical and research interests focus on cellular and gene therapies for sickle cell disease. She is particularly interested in strategies to optimize patients and procedures for apheresis collections of hematopoietic progenitor cells and mononuclear cells to minimize patient adverse events and improve cell yields for drug product manufacturing. She is also interested in blood donations, component manufacturing, and transfusion. She has published over 80 papers, book chapters, and articles in the field of blood banking/transfusion medicine, apheresis and cellular therapy.
Abstract: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only curative treatment option for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Autologous transplantation with gene therapy requires collection of sufficient amounts of the patient’s own stem cells for gene modification. Patients must be prepared properly prior to stem cell collection to prevent adverse events such as vaso‐occlusive pain crises during and after the stem cell collection procedure. Two autologous gene therapies for SCD (Lygenia and Casgevy) were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug administration in 2023 and several other gene therapies are currently being investigated in various phases of clinical trials. This lecture will discuss the various gene therapy options for patients with SCD, describe a process for implementation, and list some of the challenges that patients encounter in obtaining this therapy.
Objectives – the learner will be able to:
- To discuss the current FDA‐approved and investigational gene therapies for sickle cell disease.
- To describe the process for implementation of gene therapies for sickle cell disease.
- To explain the patient challenges associated with obtaining gene therapy treatment.
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| 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
Lunch / Business Meeting / Vendor Exhibit Hall |
| 12:30 - 1:00 p.m. |
Vendor Exhibit Hall with Dessert Bar |
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| Friday, May 30, 2025: Afternoon Sessions |
| 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. |
Transfusion-related Updates in Sickle Cell Disease
Patricia Shi, MD
Vice-President, Medical Director
New York Blood Center
Speaker Bio: Dr. Shi has been a medical director at the New York Blood Center for over 10 years and also has clinical appointments at Northwell and Albert Einstein. Before NYBC, she spent 10 years in transfusion medicine and hematology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She has a special interest in cell therapy and sickle cell disease, and her group was the first to test plerixafor for mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells for sickle cell gene therapy. She did medical school at Duke, her transfusion medicine fellowship at Johns Hopkins, and her hematology fellowship at the NIH.
Abstract: This talk is intended to update the audience on transfusion-related issues in sickle cell disease. First, drugs that may reduce transfusions in SCD will be identified, focusing on new data regarding hydroxyurea and pyruvate kinase activators. Second, new data on risk factors for alloimmunization, including risk with Rh variants, and treatment options for hyperhemolysis will be discussed. Third, new data on apheresis in SCD will be described, including effects of red cell exchange on neutrophils and endogenous erythropoiesis, refinement of single needle exchange, and the utility of depletion-exchange and plasma exchange. Finally, transfusion-relevant data comparing gene therapy to haploidentical transplant will be presented.
Objectives – the learner will be able to:
- Identify drugs currently approved and in clinical trials that may reduce transfusions in sickle cell disease.
- Discuss the latest data related to red cell alloimmunization in sickle cell disease.
- Describe developments in apheresis for sickle cell disease.
- Recognize the main potentially curative treatment developments in sickle cell disease.
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| 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. |
Nancy Nikolis Details coming soon!
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| 2:00 - 2:30 p.m. |
Getting It (Rh)ight with Genotyping
Sunitha Vege, MS
Senior Technical Director
New York Blood Center
Speaker Bio: Sunitha Vege is the Senior Technical Director of the Genomics Laboratory at the New York Blood Center. She received her Master’s in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and, later, in Bioinformatics. She has been working in the blood group genotyping field for over 15 years with particular interest and passion in the RH and MNS systems and their genetic diversity. With the goal to further expand her knowledge, she is currently enrolled in SBB program at Versiti. She has presented at state and national conferences and has co-authored numerous publications in the area.
Abstract: The RH blood group system is complex and is of great importance in transfusion medicine. Blood group genotyping has expanded our knowledge of this system and has been essential for investigation of antigen typing discrepancies and difficult antibody workups. This presentation will illustrate applications of RH genotyping through case studies.
Objectives – the learner will be able to:
- Review the RH blood system and identify common genetic mechanisms that lead to altered RH alleles.
- Outline RH variants that are associated with unexpected findings.
- Discuss case studies involving complex RH alleles with considerations to transfusion recommendations.
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| 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. |
Meta Morrison Details coming soon!
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| Friday, May 30, 2025: Evening Sessions |
| 3:00 - 3:20 p.m. |
Break |
| 3:20 - 4:05 p.m. |
Pediatric Transfusion / PBM Topic – Transfusions in Ped ECMO/ICU
Garrett Coles, MD
Pediatric ECMO Medical Director
Golisano Children’s Hospital, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center
Speaker Bio: Coming soon!
Abstract: Coming soon!
Objectives – the learner will be able to:
- Coming soon!
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| 4:05 - 4:50 p.m. |
Pediatric Transfusion / PBM Topic
Marianne Nellis Details coming soon!
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| 4:50 - 6:00 p.m. |
Vendor Exhibit Hall / Poster Presentations / Awards / Happy Hour
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| Saturday, May 31, 2025 |
| 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. |
Registration and Breakfast |
| 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. |
Platelet Topic
Gaurav Gupta Details coming soon!
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| 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. |
Prophylactic Half-Dose Platelet Transfusion Effect on Thrombocytopenia, Transfusion, and Bleeding Occurrence
Majed Refaai, MD
Professor, Pathology and Lab Medicine
University of Rochester
Speaker Bio: Dr. Refaai currently serves as a Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center and holds numerous leadership roles, including Director of the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Laboratory, Associate Director of the Transfusion Medicine/Blood Bank, and Associate Director of the Clinical Laboratory Department at Strong Memorial Hospital. Additionally, he plays a pivotal role in education and training and serving as the Director of the Transfusion Medicine Fellowship.
Dr. Refaai is an esteemed researcher, he has authored over 140 peer-reviewed publications and multiple book chapters, focusing on hemostasis, thrombosis, and transfusion medicine. His groundbreaking research on ABO antibodies’ impact on coagulation and platelet function has deepened our understanding of transfusion-related complications and has informed clinical practice worldwide. Furthermore, he has played a crucial role in developing innovative laboratory algorithms for anemia and coagulation disorders, streamlining diagnostic processes and reducing unnecessary testing and healthcare costs.
Abstract: Hematological cancer patients that are platelet transfusion dependent and required platelet transfusion in an in-patient sitting were included in this analysis. Historical data of a controlled-matched patient’s population were selected for comparison. No significant differences were observed in platelet count, platelet transfusion requirements, and/or other blood product transfusions, or bleeding events.
Objectives – the learner will be able to:
- Realize the main reasons that led to this new platelet transfusion policy.
- Understand the clinical impact of this policy on our patient populations.
- Appreciate the positive effect of this policy on our platelets inventory and blood bank budget.
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| 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. |
More About Platelets and Platelet Dosing
Mark T. Friedman, DO
Clinical Associate Professor of Pathology, Medical Director of Transfusion Services
NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine
Speaker Bio: Dr. Mark T. Friedman is a Clinical Associate Professor of Pathology and a Medical Director of Transfusion Medicine and Therapeutic Apheresis Services in the NYU Langone Health System, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine in Mineola, New York. He completed residency training at Northwell Long Island Jewish Medical Center and fellowship training at the New York Blood Center and is certified by the American Board of Pathology. He has over 25 years of experience practicing transfusion medicine, at both the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, where he also served as a residency program director, and at his current position. His research focuses on patient blood management as it relates to appropriate blood product utilization and patient outcomes.
Abstract: Platelets play an important role in hemostasis. Indications for platelet transfusions have been recommended based on platelet count and function. Apheresis platelets in the U.S. contain a minimum of 3.0 x 1011 which is higher than standards set in European nations and Canada. Yet minimum platelet yields in the U.S. have come under scrutiny recently as a result of challenges in maintaining donor recruitment and product supplies. In addition, overutilization of platelet transfusions (i.e., prophylactic platelet transfusions given to nonbleeding patients with counts above recommended guideline thresholds) suggest that there are opportunities to improve practices surrounding platelet collections and transfusion practices that would positively impact availability of platelet products and avoid platelet transfusions that provide little to no significant clinical benefit to patients.
Objectives – the learner will be able to:
- Discuss the importance of platelets in hemostasis.
- List the indications for platelet transfusion and the evidence to support the indications.
- Discuss platelet dosing and compare dosing in the U.S. vs. Europe and Canada.
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| 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. |
Break |
| 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. |
NYSDOH Regulatory Update
Beverly Rauch
Director, Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program
New York State Department of Health
Speaker Bio: Beverly Rauch joined the Wadsworth Center of the New York State Department of Health in 1999. Since then, she has held positions of increasing responsibility in the area of regulatory oversight. Beverly is currently the Director of the Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (CLEP), which oversees clinical laboratories, blood banks, limited service laboratories and source plasma donation centers. CLEP is also responsible for the issuance of Certificates of Qualification, which are required credentials for clinical laboratory directors. CLEP currently has over 40 staff members, including 20 clinical laboratory consultants who perform on-site surveys of clinical laboratories to ensure compliance with New York state law, regulation, and standards.
Abstract: The presentation will focus on recent statutory and regulatory changes affecting blood banks in New York.
Objectives – the learner will be able to:
- Describe recent statutory changes.
- Discuss current regulations and proposed regulatory changes.
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| 11:00 - 11:15 a.m. |
Closing Remarks |
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