On June 21, 2007, Ellen Toplin assumed the position of First Chair for the American Red Cross Blood Services, Penn-Jersey Region, spearheading the 37 person board that advises and assists the blood center. The Penn-Jersey Region is one of 35 American Red Cross regional blood centers, whose mission is to fulfill the needs of the American people and provide the safest, most reliable, and cost-effective blood, and plasma through voluntary donations. Locally, the Penn-Jersey Region provides life-saving blood products to over 125 hospitals in southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Toplin is the founder and president of Toplin & Associates, Inc. one of Philadelphia’s top public relations agencies. Toplin & Associates is a certified women business enterprise that was founded in 1982.
Toplin has been recognized as a leader, and altruist and an innovator. A trustee of Abington Hospital’s Foundation Board, and the secretary of the board of the Forum of Executive Women, Toplin has been acknowledge by several businesses and industries. Toplin was given the Athena Award by the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce – an award that is given by Chambers across the country to local individuals who actively assist women in realizing leadership potential; demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession; and, contribute significant time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community. She also earned the 2002 DeAnn White Award for Community Service for her commitment to applying her public relations expertise in the field of community service and volunteerism from the Philadelphia Chapter of Public Relations Society.
Toplin has been acknowledged as a role model in the business community and specifically for women in business. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development named her as one of the state’s Best 50 Women in Business in 2005, and the Montgomery County Women’s Center also honored her as one of the four inspiring leaders of the year in 2006.
“It has been my honor to serve on the Red Cross Blood Services board and I am pleased to roll up my sleeves, not only to donate blood personally but to work diligently in our community to encourage others to do the same,” said Toplin. “Working with the Red Cross Blood Services in the Penn-Jersey Region over the years has enabled me to do something meaningful for an organization that provides life-saving services.”
Toplin is an advocate of blood donations. The American Red Cross Blood Services, Penn-Jersey Region Board of Directors is composed of volunteers from the community who advise and assist the blood center. New board members are nominated by a committee staffed by current board members and American Red Cross senior administrators. New members commit to a one-year term of service.
Most healthy people who are at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more are eligible to donate every 56 days. Donors can give blood at any one of nearly 200 bloodmobiles sponsored by business and community groups in southeastern Pennsylvania and in New Jersey weekly, or at one of nine community donor centers. To make an immediate appointment for an American Red Cross blood drive this week, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (1-800-448-3543), or visit www.pleasegiveblood.org to find a listing of community blood drives.