Versiti’s fleet included 21 buses when this story was published. On average, they were 15 years old. Four new buses were on order for 2022 to replace the oldest vehicles. Versiti also refurbished the Eagle, a bus that joined its fleet in 2007. Since then, the Eagle had served about 2,200 blood drives and collected roughly 47,565 units of blood. Versiti hoped the rebuild would add six years of service and another 20,000 units.

“The Transportation and Fleet department is tasked with the privileged responsibility of transporting not only life sustaining blood products, but also the people who administer them,” said Matt Klausner, Versiti Transportation Supervisor. “We must ensure the overall health of the fleet to safely transport our teams, whose primary mission is to save lives.”

About the Eagle Bus

The Eagle’s structure was sound, so Versiti chose to refurbish it. The work would keep the bus in service and avoid scrapping it. Matt explained, “we believe refurbishing the Eagle supports our desire to be kind to our environment by not scrapping a bus, while enabling us to keep it in service for longer.”

After a seven-month rebuild, the Eagle returned to service in April. Versiti had already scheduled it for several upcoming drives.

Versiti expected the Eagle to serve for another six years and help collect 20,000 more units of blood. By then, the bus would have served for 21 years. Versiti projected roughly 60,000 units collected and nearly 180,000 lives affected over that span.

“The Eagle bus makes staff proud,” said Denena Edwards, Director, Donor Services. “We are proud of where it has been and where it is going in the future. We need vehicles that both donors and staff are comfortable in, and this helps us continue our mission while preserving a little bit of history,” she continued.

Debut of the new Eagle

Refurbishing the Eagle

Versiti of Illinois partnered with several fabricators to rebuild the Eagle.

Chandler Services of Mokena, Illinois rebuilt the 50-foot body and mechanical systems. The team also installed a new brake system.

Chandler Services and Versiti Blood Centers have enjoyed a long and meaningful relationship. “Over the years, it has been very rewarding to be a part of the Versiti family and to support the mission of saving lives through blood donations,” said David Chandler, owner of Chandler Services. “It is a real privilege to have played a key role in the restoration of the Eagle; it brings a smile to everyone’s face to see it rolling down the road,” he continued.

Another vendor, Lab Exhibits & Services, handled the interior. The team removed the Eagle’s cabinetry and walls to prepare them for updates. They cleaned the interior, reupholstered and refinished donor chairs, and relaminated screening room dividers. They also installed new door and cabinet hardware.

“We are honored to have partnered with Versiti and support their essential lifesaving efforts,” said Vice President of Lab Exhibits & Services, Jennifer Janega. “With blood shortages across the United States, it has been a labor of love to do our part to help out,” she continued.

The Eagle’s successful rebuild led Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to consider refurbishing other buses. Its partners contributed creativity, dedication, and many hours of work to the Eagle and other Versiti vehicles.