Credit Union community champions. Published by oak tree marketing team on September 24, 2026. Humanitarian Highlight 9.24.26. Community commitment is at the heart of the credit union movement, where making a difference goes far beyond everyday banking. In this week's Humanitarian Highlights roundup, Oak Tree Business Systems, Inc. is thrilled to feature inspiring stories of local impact - from academic drives and children's literacy programs to healthcare support and community blood drives - demonstrating how credit unions truly act as credit union community champions dedicated to uplifting the neighborhoods they serve. Stepping up to support local families as they gear up for the new school year, Blackhawk Community Credit Union recently wrapped up a successful back-to-school supply and non-perishable food drive in partnership with ECHO. By transforming all branch locations into drop-off hubs throughout July, the credit union rallied Rock County residents to lend a helping hand. It is a wonderful example of neighbors coming together to ease seasonal burdens and strengthen the community safety net where it matters most. Championing the vital link between childhood literacy and lifelong academic achievement, SESLOC Credit Union has rallied its community behind the "If You Give a Child a Book..." campaign. Recognizing that home access to books is one of the strongest predictors of future student success, the credit union is raising funds to help children in local Title I elementary schools build their own home libraries. By supporting this empowering initiative, SESLOC continues to open new chapters of opportunity for young learners across the region. Amplifying community generosity through an incredible matching initiative, CoVantage Credit Union recently drove a powerful Giving Tuesday campaign alongside the CoVantage Cares Foundation. By dollar-for-dollar matching community contributions up to an impressive $200,000, the credit union rallied support for life-changing nonprofits across its service regions - from youth centers and food pantries to healthcare foundations and veterans' services. It is a shining example of cooperative philanthropy multiplying its impact to uplift neighbors in need. Extending its dedication to local youth and pediatric health, Fairmont Federal Credit Union launched a heartwarming branch-wide donation drive running through September 30th to support the School Intervention Program at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital. By inviting members and neighbors to drop off contributions at any branch or give online, the credit union is championing the Children's Miracle Network's mission. It is a powerful reflection of the "people helping people" philosophy in action, ensuring children facing medical challenges receive the comprehensive educational and health support they deserve. Ensuring local students step into their classrooms equipped for success, Tri County Area Federal Credit Union recently wrapped up its annual school supply drive. By transforming both branch locations into community collection hubs for essentials like notebooks, pencils, crayons, and glue sticks, the credit union rallied members and neighbors to support children in need. It is a wonderful testament to how cooperative action helps local youth begin the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn. Stepping up to address critical local healthcare needs, Frankenmuth Credit Union recently hosted its annual community blood drive in partnership with Versiti. By opening up their lower-level community room as a dedicated donation center, the credit union rallied local donors to roll up their sleeves and support patients in Michigan hospitals. It is a vital demonstration of how cooperative leadership extends straight to the heart of public health, giving hope and saving lives when it matters most. If you would like to be featured in a Humanitarian Highlight or have any comments or questions regarding its business, please do not hesitate to contact Oak Tree Business Systems, Inc. through its email or by phone at 1 (800) 537-9598. Be sure to follow its social media pages if you'd like to see its weekly Humanitarian Highlight segment as soon as it comes up!

Versiti, I.M.A.M. and Who is Hussain Michigan partner to support Arabic-speaking blood donors. August 20, 2026 Community Unity Blood Drive: A First for Arabic-Speaking Donors Versiti, the Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya (I.M.A.M.), and Who is Hussain Michigan are working together to help Arabic-speaking community members feel more informed, comfortable, and welcome when donating blood. At the Community Unity Blood Drive on Sunday, Aug. 23, Arabic-language translation support will be available to help donors understand and navigate the donation process. The drive will be the first to offer full translation support as part of a pilot effort in the Dearborn community. Its partnership also includes a Muslim Community Cultural Awareness Guide developed by I.M.A.M. to help Versiti team members better understand Islamic beliefs, cultural practices, and communication considerations. The goal is simple: to ensure all donors are met with respect, understanding, and clear information throughout their experience. This work grew from listening to community members and identifying the practical barriers that can make blood donation harder to navigate. Imam Us hope this collaboration can offer a model for what is possible when community organizations and blood centers listen to one another, build understanding across cultures, and work together in service of others. By creating a more welcoming donation experience, Imam Us can help more people take part in the shared mission of providing blood for patients who need it. Sunday, August 23, 2026 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. EDT Islamic Institute of America, Main Hall 700 N. Beech Daly Road Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 All are invited to be part of this meaningful first step. Make an appointment to donate and help Imam Us create a more welcoming donation experience for all. * Global Blood Heroes One blood donor can potentially save the life of 3 adults, or even 7 children. * Support the Victims of Hurricane Ida There is an urgent appeal from local communities and institutions in the affected regions for... * Urgent Appeal to Support its Fellow Believers in Philadelphia You are invited you to contribute generously to the blessed project of establishing the Imam...

Congratulations Dr. Brian Branchford! July 23, 2026 Brian Branchford, MD, receives the 2026 HTRS Mid-Career Research Award. The HTRS-funded award will support Dr. Branchford's research into platelet signaling, pediatric thromboinflammation, and safer approaches to venous thromboembolism prevention and treatment. HTRS is pleased to announce that Brian Branchford, MD, a pediatric hematologist and physician-scientist at the Versiti Blood Research Institute, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 HTRS Mid-Career Research Award (MCRA). 2026 Award Recipient Brian Branchford, MD. Versiti Blood Research Institute 2026 HTRS Mid-Career Research Award Funded by HTRS Project Title: "Platelet-Derived Protein S Signaling Through TYRO3/MERTK in Platelet Activation and Thrombus Stability: A Pediatric Thromboinflammation Study" Advancing Pediatric Thrombosis Research. Dr. Branchford's research will advance understanding of the mechanisms underlying pediatric thromboinflammation and venous thromboembolism (VTE). His project will generate key mechanistic and translational data on platelet-derived Protein S and TYRO3/MERTK signaling. The findings are expected to support the development of safer, pediatric-specific approaches to VTE prevention and treatment while positioning the research for future NIH R01-level funding. A pediatric hematologist and physician-scientist, Dr. Branchford has dedicated his clinical and research programs to understanding and preventing venous thromboembolism in children, particularly in the setting of inflammation. His training included a pediatric residency and chief residency at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and the Medical College of Wisconsin, followed by a fellowship in pediatric hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplant at Children's Hospital Colorado. During his training, he gained research experience in von Willebrand factor biology, platelet biology, and murine thrombosis models. Over the past 15 years, his work has centered on thromboinflammatory platelet signaling, including the Protein S/GAS6-TAM receptor pathway, platelet activation, and thrombus stability. Leadership and collaboration. Dr. Branchford's clinical and collaborative work includes leadership in institutional thrombosis initiatives and co-founding the Children's Healthcare Advancements in Thrombosis (CHAT) Clinical Research Consortium, which studies hospital-acquired pediatric thrombosis and its risk factors. He also represents the United States on the Executive Committee of the International Pediatric Thrombosis Network (IPTN). His long-term goal is to build an independent, externally funded research program in non-malignant hematology that connects mechanistic platelet biology with pediatric thrombosis prevention. About the HTRS Mid-Career Research Award. Total Award $216,000 USD over two years Research Focus Clinical, translational, or basic science research in hemostasis and thrombosis To assist mid-career investigators in transitioning to full academic research independence and R01-equivalent funding Funding Organization Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Society Recognizing the Awards Program Council. HTRS extends its sincere appreciation to Janice Staber, MD, Chair, and Lindsey George, MD, Vice Chair, for their leadership of the Mid-Career Research Award Committee on the HTRS Awards Program Council. Their leadership and dedication throughout the review process help ensure that HTRS continues to recognize and invest in exceptional investigators whose work advances the field of hemostasis and thrombosis. Please join HTRS in congratulating Dr. Brian Branchford on this well-deserved recognition!