Plaque dedication celebrates FACT’s 10 year anniversary

Phyllis Warkentin, M.D., stands next to the bronze plaque that was dedicated. She thanked those involved with the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), and talked about the difference made in patients’ lives.

A group of about 30 recently gathered around a simple bronze plaque near The Lied Transplant Center where cancer patients receive treatments in hopes of a cure.

Members of the Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), a national organization based in Omaha, were celebrating their 10th anniversary with the dedication of a plaque at UNMC.

Headed by UNMC faculty member Phyllis Warkentin, M.D., FACT was launched with the idea of ensuring the best patient outcomes possible in cancer transplantation. FACT created the world’s first quality standards and voluntary inspection and accreditation program for the safe collection, processing, and clinical administration of peripheral blood stem cells, bone marrow cells or cells from umbilical cord blood for use in cancer transplantation and treatment of other diseases.

Dr. Warkentin was one of several people who spoke during the dedication. She thanked FACT board members, volunteers and staff, as well as UNMC leaders, for supporting FACT in its tireless efforts to make a difference in quality standards in transplantation.

FACT Board of Directors President, C. Fred LeMaistre, M.D., called the foundation “fantastic,” with very dedicated members.

He also talked about FACT members and staff who run the program in Omaha.

FACT board members and staff pose for a photo.

“They have a strong commitment to quality for patients. The staff is passionate,” Dr. LeMaistre said. “We treasure the long-standing relationship with the university. Without the support, especially in the earlier years, I don’t know if we would have made it.”

He gave credit to the accredited transplant programs and those seeking accreditation for accepting nothing less than the highest quality standards for their patients.