AIKEN, S.C. – Savannah River Site (SRS) recently received the 2025 Outstanding Commitment to Saving Local Lives Award from Shepeard Community Blood Center, honoring the exceptional dedication of its employees. This milestone reflects the strong culture of service across the Site and underscores the critical role employees play in supporting the region’s healthcare needs.
According to Richard Deible, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Materials Disposition Engineer and Site blood drive coordinator, “This award represents the power of partnership. Thanks to our employees and their willingness to donate, we’re able to support Shepeard Community Blood Center in providing lifesaving blood to families throughout Georgia and South Carolina.”
Since 1994, Shepeard Community Blood Center and SRS have maintained a strong partnership dedicated to supporting the local community. One way this commitment is celebrated is through Shepeard Blood’s annual Top 20 luncheon, which recognizes the 20 local organizations that donated the most blood for the year. SRS participated in its third Top 20 Luncheon earlier this year, highlighting their outstanding contributions.
Through regular on‑site blood drives and mobile donation events, SRNS makes it easy for employees to give back. Shepeard hosts blood drives across 15 areas across the Site, and six of those locations—A Area, B Area, H Area South Gate, S Area, K Area and Tritium—earned Top 20 status for 2025. These efforts not only strengthen Shepeard’s blood supply network but also deepen the connection between the Site and the surrounding communities.
For many, the mission is deeply personal. “Four years ago, I learned firsthand how critical blood donation truly is when my daughter, Scarlett, needed a platelet transfusion shortly after birth, followed by seven whole blood transfusions,” said Samantha Grimes, Account Manager, Shepeard Community Blood Center. “That experience changed my perspective completely and inspired me to become an advocate for local blood donation. Scarlett introduced me to the mission of Shepeard Community Blood Center and became the reason I encourage others to give. Every donation has the power to save lives right here in our community because every unit collected by Shepeard stays in the CSRA.”
Shepeard Community Blood Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has served as a lifeline in Georgia and South Carolina since 1978. Shepeard provides blood to more than 30 local hospitals and helicopter ambulatory services across more than 50 counties, and each donation has the potential to save up to three lives. Their lifesaving mission relies heavily on community participation, and SRNS employees consistently step up to support that need.
Together, SRS and Shepeard Community Blood Center continue to make a meaningful difference one donation at a time. Receiving this award highlights SRNS’ continued commitment to public service and to supporting the health and well‑being of families throughout the region.
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a Fluor and HII partnership company, is responsible for the management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, located near Aiken, South Carolina.
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