[January 29, 2015]

Strength in Sourcing: Medline to Bring Supply Chain Expertise and Savings to Blood Centers of America as New Supply Partner

Blood Centers of America (BCA), the nation's largest blood supply network, has selected Medline Industries, Inc., as its exclusive supply partner of phlebotomy and donor screening kits.

The three-year agreement, beginning April 1, 2015, will strengthen BCA's ability to make phlebotomy and donor screening kits accessible to more than 50 member centers, as well as its suppliers and clients, all of which serve hospitals and patients across the country. BCA provides more than 40 percent of the U.S. blood supply.

"The safety of the U.S. blood supply hinges on a rigorous donor screening process along with industry regulated tests," says Sam Keith, vice president, supply chain and national accounts, Blood Centers of America. "Medline has the industry knowledge, network and resources we need in a kitting supply partner. We are excited to work with Medline on growing the accessibility of kits to all of our BCA centers, and we strongly believe this agreement provides the necessary incentives and resources required to help make it easier for centers to adopt as their standrd."

Medline's vast logistics network of more than 40 strategically located distribution centers across the country will provide BCA with kits whenever and wherever needed, especially in critical emergencies. The medical supplier, distributor and manufacturer, with extensive supply chain expertise, is built on serving the healthcare industry at a moment's notice, for crises like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, or Ebola preparedness, as well as every day needs across the continuum of care.

BCA chose Medline over four other suppliers for its impeccable quality control, supply chain efficiencies and online monitoring capabilities, all of which bring cost savings to the network of blood centers.

About Medline

As the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of quality medical supplies and services, Medline offers healthcare products and services that drive value through tailored solutions across the continuum of care. Named one of the country's "Best and Brightest Companies to Work For," the company is headquartered in Mundelein, Ill. and has more than 1,200 dedicated sales representatives to support its broad product line and cost management services. For more information on Medline, go to www.medline.com or http://www.medline.com/social-media to connect with Medline on a variety of social media channels.

About BCA

BCA is a member-owned organization comprised of more than 50 independent blood centers geographically dispersed throughout the North America, representing more than 40 percent of the U.S. blood supply. Along with their core business of providing a substantial portion of U.S. blood supply, BCA members provide a variety of other services including, patient blood management, transfusion services, immunohematology testing, therapeutic apheresis and tissue and cord blood banking. In addition, BCA members provide a variety of human blood products, cells and tissues to the therapeutic, diagnostic and cell therapy industries. Learn more at http://www.bca.coop/.

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